Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 4,261. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Barbell Upright Row: 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 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row 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 Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 4,261 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 Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row. 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 Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Upright Row need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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