Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Upright Row
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Barbell Upright Row works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Upright Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions compared to 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 4,261 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Dumbbell Lateral Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Dumbbell Lateral Raise Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Upright Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Upright Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row. 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 Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

