Lateral Raise Machine vs Arnold Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Arnold Press works multiple joints at once, Lateral Raise Machine isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Arnold Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Arnold Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Arnold Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Lateral Raise Machine and Arnold Press Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Arnold Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 2,745 sessions |
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.
How to Do Arnold Press
Arnold Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
- 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
- 2. For those with rotator cuff issues, I recommend the Arnold press over the standard shoulder press.
For a full Arnold Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arnold Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Arnold 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.
Do Lateral Raise Machine and Arnold Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Arnold Press need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Arnold Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Arnold Press once your form holds up.
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