Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Face Pull
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Face Pull 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 Face Pull and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Face Pull: 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 12,316 for Face Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Face Pull 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 Face Pull Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Face Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | rear delts, biceps, and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 12,316 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 Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Face Pull?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 12,316 for Face Pull. 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 Face Pull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Face Pull need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Face Pull needs a machine.
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