Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Shoulder Press Machine
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Shoulder Press Machine and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Shoulder Press Machine: 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 35,656 for Shoulder Press Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Shoulder Press Machine 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 Shoulder Press Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Shoulder Press Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 35,656 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 Shoulder Press Machine
Shoulder Press Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the weight vertically.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a sound, change your grip so that your elbows are positioned in front of your body.
- 2. If the pain continues despite this, lower the weight or stop the exercise.
- 3. Brace your abs and keep your torso stable so that your lower back does not arch.
For a full Shoulder Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Shoulder Press Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Shoulder Press Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Shoulder Press Machine need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Shoulder Press once your form holds up.
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