Cable Shoulder Press vs Seated Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Overhead Press more often — 1,486 sessions vs 179. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Shoulder Press and Seated Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Cable Shoulder Press vs Seated Overhead Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Overhead Press more often — 1,486 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Shoulder Press and Seated Overhead Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Shoulder Press and Seated Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Cable Shoulder Press | Seated Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 179 sessions | 1,486 sessions |
How to Do Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
How to Do Seated Overhead Press
Seated Overhead Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it may strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it may strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Seated Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Shoulder Press or Seated Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Seated Overhead Press more often — 1,486 sessions against 179 for Cable Shoulder Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Cable Shoulder Press and Seated Overhead Press need?
Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine, and Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell.
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