Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions vs 1,214. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: 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 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ

What differsDumbbell Lateral RaiseSmith Machine Behind Neck Press
Muscles workedside deltsfront delts, side delts, and triceps
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty2 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users54,896 sessions1,214 sessions

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Not sure whether Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press

Smith Machine Behind Neck Press demo video

Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.

For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press. 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.

What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?

Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.

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