Bent Over Lateral Raise vs Dumbbell Upright Row

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions vs 663. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Bent Over Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Bent Over Lateral Raise vs Dumbbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions compared to 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bent Over Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Bent Over Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row Differ

What differsBent Over Lateral RaiseDumbbell Upright Row
Muscles workedrear delts and trapsside delts and traps
Difficulty3 of 54 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users17,552 sessions663 sessions

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Not sure whether Bent Over Lateral Raise or Dumbbell Upright Row fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Bent Over Lateral Raise

Bent Over Lateral Raise demo video

Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  2. 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
  3. 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
  4. 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.

For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Bent Over Lateral Raise?Exercise Guide

How to Do Dumbbell Upright Row

Dumbbell Upright Row demo video

Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. It's an exercise that can strain the shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.

For a full Dumbbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Upright Row exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Upright Row?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Bent Over Lateral Raise or Dumbbell Upright Row?

Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions against 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Bent Over Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row work the same muscles?

Not quite. Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.

What equipment do Bent Over Lateral Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row need?

Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Bent Over Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.

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