Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Smith Machine Overhead Press works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Overhead 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 13,111 for Smith Machine Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Overhead 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 Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine Overhead Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 13,111 for Smith Machine Overhead 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 Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Smith Machine Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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