Lateral Raise Machine vs Bent Over Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions vs 5,383. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Bent Over Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Bent Over Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions compared to 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Bent Over Lateral Raise 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Bent Over Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | rear delts and traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 17,552 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise
Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Bent Over Lateral Raise?
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions against 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine. 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Bent Over Lateral Raise need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Bent Over Lateral Raise once your form holds up.
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