Overhead Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press are close in use — 17,150 vs 13,111 sessions logged. What separates them is Shoulder loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Overhead Press vs Smith Machine 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 13,111 for Smith Machine Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Overhead Press and Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine 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 can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
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