Dumbbell Upright Row vs Dumbbell Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Upright Row more often — 663 sessions vs 248. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Upright Row and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Upright Row vs Dumbbell Behind Neck Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Upright Row more often — 663 sessions compared to 248 for Dumbbell Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Upright Row and Dumbbell Behind Neck 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 Upright Row and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Upright Row | Dumbbell Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts and traps | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 663 sessions | 248 sessions |
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.
How to Do Dumbbell Behind Neck Press
Dumbbell Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the dumbbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Dumbbell Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Upright Row or Dumbbell Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Upright Row more often — 663 sessions against 248 for Dumbbell Behind Neck Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Upright Row and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps, and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Upright Row and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press need?
Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell, and Dumbbell Behind Neck Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

