Dumbbell Front Raise vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Smith Machine Overhead Press works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Front Raise isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Front Raise vs Smith Machine Overhead Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Front Raise more often — 16,124 sessions compared to 13,111 for Smith Machine Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Front Raise and Smith Machine 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 Dumbbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Front Raise | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,124 sessions | 13,111 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. With your elbows slightly bent, slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height.
- 2. Make sure your palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 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 Dumbbell Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Front Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine 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 can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Front Raise or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Smith Machine Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Dumbbell Front Raise needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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