Overhead Press vs Seated Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Overhead Press and Seated Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Overhead Press vs Seated Overhead Press: 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 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Overhead Press and Seated Overhead Press 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 Seated Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Seated Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 1,486 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 Seated Overhead Press
Seated 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 core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it may strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it may strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Seated Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Seated Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 1,486 for Seated 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 Seated Overhead Press need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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