Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Upright Row

Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan

Contents

Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 663. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Overhead Press and Dumbbell Upright Row for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Upright Row : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions compared to 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.

Popularity is not the whole answer. Overhead Press and Dumbbell Upright Row 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 Upright Row Differ

What differsOverhead PressDumbbell Upright Row
Muscles workedfront delts, side delts, and tricepsside delts and traps
Equipmenta barbella dumbbell
Difficulty3 of 54 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users17,150 sessions663 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Overhead Press or Dumbbell Upright Row fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Overhead Press

Overhead Press gif

Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
  2. 2. With your hips and core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can put strain on your shoulders, so please be careful.
  2. 2. If your hips and core lose tension, it can put strain on your lower back, so please be careful.
  3. 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!

Do you want to know more about Overhead Press methods?Exercise Guide

How to Dumbbell Upright Row

Dumbbell Upright Row gif

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 Comment

  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.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Dumbbell Upright Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Dumbbell Upright Row Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Dumbbell Upright Row methods?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Dumbbell Upright Row?

Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row. 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 Upright Row work the same muscles?

Not quite. Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.

What equipment do Overhead Press and Dumbbell Upright Row need?

Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.

Get free AI personalized workout plan

Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.

It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

Join 3.8M+ users who found their perfect workout plan

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image