Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Face Pull
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 12,316. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Face Pull and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Face Pull: 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 12,316 for Face Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Face Pull 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 Face Pull Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Face Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | rear delts, biceps, and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 12,316 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 Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Face Pull?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 12,316 for Face Pull. 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 Face Pull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Face Pull need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Face Pull needs a machine.
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