Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 466. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Behind Neck Press: 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 466 for Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and 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 Shoulder Press and Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 466 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 Behind Neck Press
Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 466 for Behind Neck Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Behind Neck Press need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Behind Neck Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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