Lateral Raise Machine vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Upright Row works multiple joints at once, Lateral Raise Machine isolates — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Barbell Upright Row: 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 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Upright Row 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 Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 4,261 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 Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Barbell Upright Row?
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 Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Upright Row need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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