Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 17,150. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Shoulder Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions compared to 17,150 for Overhead Press.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Dumbbell Shoulder Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 42,733 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!
How to Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbells vertically.
- 2. Please lift them without bringing the dumbbells together, just as they are.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a 'clicking' sound, position your elbows in front of your body instead of at your sides.
- 2. If the pain continues, lower the dumbbell weight by about 20% or try substituting with a different shoulder exercise.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Dumbbell Shoulder Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Dumbbell Shoulder Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Dumbbell Shoulder Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 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.
What equipment do Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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