Dumbbell Shrug vs Dumbbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Upright Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shrug and Dumbbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shrug vs Dumbbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shrug more often — 1,094 sessions compared to 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shrug and Dumbbell Upright Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Shrug and Dumbbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shrug | Dumbbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | traps | side delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,094 sessions | 663 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Shrug
Dumbbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell while shrugging your shoulders.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the dumbbells, do not just drop them; lower them slowly.
- 2. Please ensure that your neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Dumbbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Shrug exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Upright Row
Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain the shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shrug or Dumbbell Upright Row?
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.
Do Dumbbell Shrug and Dumbbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shrug loads traps, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shrug and Dumbbell Upright Row need?
Dumbbell Shrug needs a dumbbell, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Shrug once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
