Dumbbell Upright Row vs Pike Push Up

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Upright Row more often — 663 sessions vs 231. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Dumbbell Upright Row vs Pike Push Up: 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 231 for Pike Push Up.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up 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 Pike Push Up Differ

What differsDumbbell Upright RowPike Push Up
Muscles workedside delts and trapsfront delts, chest, and triceps
Equipmenta dumbbellbodyweight only
Difficulty4 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users663 sessions231 sessions

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Not sure whether Dumbbell Upright Row or Pike Push Up 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 Pike Push Up

Pike Push Up demo video

Pike Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
  2. 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.

For a full Pike Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pike Push Up exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Pike Push Up?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Upright Row or Pike Push Up?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Upright Row more often — 663 sessions against 231 for Pike Push Up. 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 Pike Push Up work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps, and Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps.

What equipment do Dumbbell Upright Row and Pike Push Up need?

Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell, and Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pike Push Up once your form holds up.

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