Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Shoulder Press Machine
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Shoulder Press Machine works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Shoulder Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Shoulder Press Machine: 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 35,656 for Shoulder Press Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Shoulder Press Machine 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 Shoulder Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Shoulder Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 35,656 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 Shoulder Press Machine
Shoulder Press Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the weight vertically.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a sound, change your grip so that your elbows are positioned in front of your body.
- 2. If the pain continues despite this, lower the weight or stop the exercise.
- 3. Brace your abs and keep your torso stable so that your lower back does not arch.
For a full Shoulder Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Shoulder Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Shoulder Press Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Shoulder Press Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Shoulder Press Machine loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Shoulder Press Machine need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Lateral Raise once your form holds up.
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