Bent Over Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions vs 1,214. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Bent Over Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Bent Over Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: 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 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Bent Over Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Bent Over Lateral Raise | Smith Machine Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts and traps | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,552 sessions | 1,214 sessions |
How to Do Bent Over Lateral Raise
Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 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.
How to Do Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Bent Over Lateral Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions against 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press. 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Bent Over Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?
Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Bent Over Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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