Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Dumbbell Behind Neck Press

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 248. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Dumbbell 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 248 for Dumbbell Behind Neck Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Behind Neck Press Differ

What differsDumbbell Shoulder PressDumbbell Behind Neck Press
Difficulty2 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users42,733 sessions248 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Dumbbell Behind Neck Press fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Shoulder Press

Dumbbell Shoulder Press demo video

Dumbbell Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the dumbbells vertically.
  2. 2. Please lift them without bringing the dumbbells together, just as they are.
  3. 3. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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. 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.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Shoulder Press?Exercise Guide

How to Do Dumbbell Behind Neck Press

Dumbbell Behind Neck Press demo video

Dumbbell Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Lift the dumbbell above your head.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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 Dumbbell Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Behind Neck Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Behind Neck Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Dumbbell Behind Neck Press?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 248 for Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Behind Neck Press need?

Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.

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