Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions vs 683. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Shrug: 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 683 for Barbell Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Shrug 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 Barbell Shrug Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Barbell Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 683 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 Barbell Shrug
Barbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please make sure that the neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Barbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Shrug exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Barbell Shrug?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 683 for Barbell Shrug. 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 Barbell Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Barbell Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Shrug need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Shrug needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Shrug once your form holds up.
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