Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 13,111. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Smith Machine Overhead 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 13,111 for Smith Machine Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Smith Machine Overhead 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine Overhead Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shoulder Press or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions against 13,111 for Smith Machine Overhead 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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