Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Overhead Press works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Overhead Press and Dumbbell Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions compared to 17,150 for Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Overhead Press and Dumbbell Lateral 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 Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Dumbbell Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 54,896 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 Lateral Raise
Dumbbell Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please slowly lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Dumbbell Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Dumbbell Lateral Raise?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions against 17,150 for Overhead Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Overhead Press and Dumbbell Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts.
What equipment do Overhead Press and Dumbbell Lateral Raise need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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