Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Pike Push Up
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 231. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Pike Push Up: 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 231 for Pike Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up 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 Pike Push Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Pike Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 231 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 Pike Push Up
Pike Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
- 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.
For a full Pike Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pike Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Pike Push Up?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 231 for Pike Push Up. 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 Pike Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Pike Push Up once your form holds up.
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