Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Barbell Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 683. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Barbell Shrug: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions compared to 683 for Barbell Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Shrug differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Shrug Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Barbell Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 683 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbells vertically.
- 2. Please lift them without bringing the dumbbells together, just as they are.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a 'clicking' sound, position your elbows in front of your body instead of at your sides.
- 2. If the pain continues, lower the dumbbell weight by about 20% or try substituting with a different shoulder exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Shoulder Press exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Shrug
Barbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please make sure that the neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Barbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Shrug exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Barbell Shrug?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 683 for Barbell Shrug. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Shrug need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Shrug needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Shrug once your form holds up.
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