Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Arnold Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Arnold Press works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Arnold Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Arnold Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Arnold 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 Lateral Raise and Arnold Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Arnold Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 2,745 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Dumbbell Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please slowly lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Dumbbell Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Lateral Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Arnold Press
Arnold Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
- 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
- 2. For those with rotator cuff issues, I recommend the Arnold press over the standard shoulder press.
For a full Arnold Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arnold Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Arnold Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 2,745 for Arnold Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Arnold Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Arnold Press need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Arnold Press needs a dumbbell.
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