Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Bent Over Lateral Raise

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions vs 17,552. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Bent Over Lateral Raise: 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 17,552 for Bent Over Lateral Raise.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Differ

What differsDumbbell Lateral RaiseBent Over Lateral Raise
Muscles workedside deltsrear delts and traps
Difficulty2 of 53 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users54,896 sessions17,552 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Bent Over Lateral Raise fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Lateral Raise

Dumbbell Lateral Raise demo video

Dumbbell Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please slowly lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  2. 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing down towards the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  4. 4. However, do not lower the dumbbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Lateral Raise?Exercise Guide

How to Do Bent Over Lateral Raise

Bent Over Lateral Raise demo video

Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  2. 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
  3. 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
  4. 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.

For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Bent Over Lateral Raise?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Bent Over Lateral Raise?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 17,552 for Bent Over Lateral Raise. 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps.

What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise need?

Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Bent Over Lateral Raise once your form holds up.

Stop Guessing Which One to Do

AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

Join 4M+ users who found their perfect workout plan

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image