Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Upright Row: 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 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Upright Row 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 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 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 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
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.
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