Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Shoulder Press works multiple joints at once, Bent Over Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise: 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 17,552 for Bent Over Lateral Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Bent Over Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | rear delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 17,552 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise
Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Bent Over Lateral Raise?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 17,552 for Bent Over Lateral Raise. 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Bent Over Lateral Raise once your form holds up.
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