Lateral Raise Machine vs Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions vs 466. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Behind Neck 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 466 for Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Behind Neck 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 Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 466 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 Behind Neck Press
Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions against 466 for Behind Neck Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Lateral Raise Machine and Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Behind Neck Press need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Behind Neck Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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