Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Overhead Press also loads your side delts and triceps — Dumbbell Front Raise does not. Both train Shoulder, so pick by what you want to hit.
Compare the benefits of Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions compared to 16,124 for Dumbbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Dumbbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 16,124 sessions |
How to Do Overhead Press
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 hips and 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 put strain on your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your hips and core lose tension, it can put strain on your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Overhead Press exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. With your elbows slightly bent, slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height.
- 2. Make sure your palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
For a full Dumbbell Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Dumbbell Front Raise?
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 Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Dumbbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Front Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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