Overhead Press vs Lateral Raise Machine
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Overhead Press works multiple joints at once, Lateral Raise Machine isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Overhead Press and Lateral Raise Machine and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Overhead Press vs Lateral Raise Machine: 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 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Overhead Press and Lateral Raise Machine 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 Lateral Raise Machine Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Lateral Raise Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 5,383 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 Lateral Raise Machine
Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows bent.
- 2. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower the equipment completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the equipment higher than shoulder height.
For a full Lateral Raise Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lateral Raise Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Lateral Raise Machine?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Overhead Press and Lateral Raise Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts.
What equipment do Overhead Press and Lateral Raise Machine need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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