Dumbbell Upright Row vs Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Upright Row and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Dumbbell Upright Row vs Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine more often — 1,112 sessions compared to 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Upright Row and Bent Over Lateral Raise 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 Upright Row and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine Differ

What differsDumbbell Upright RowBent Over Lateral Raise Machine
Muscles workedside delts and trapsrear delts and traps
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty4 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users663 sessions1,112 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Upright Row or Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Upright Row

Dumbbell Upright Row demo video

Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Upright Row?Exercise Guide

How to Do Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine demo video

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  2. 2. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
  3. 3. However, do not lower the equipment completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. Please be careful not to lift the equipment higher than shoulder height.

For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Upright Row or Bent Over Lateral Raise 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.

Do Dumbbell Upright Row and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps, and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine loads rear delts and traps.

What equipment do Dumbbell Upright Row and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine need?

Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.

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