Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Cable Shoulder Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 179. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Cable Shoulder Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Cable Shoulder 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 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Cable Shoulder 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 Cable Shoulder Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Cable Shoulder Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 179 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 Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Cable Shoulder Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 179 for Cable Shoulder 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 Cable Shoulder Press need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Shoulder Press once your form holds up.
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