Lateral Raise Machine vs Seated Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Seated Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Seated Overhead 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 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Seated 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 Lateral Raise Machine and Seated Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Seated Overhead 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 | 1,486 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 Seated Overhead Press
Seated 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 may strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it may strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Seated Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Seated Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions against 1,486 for Seated Overhead 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 Seated Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Seated Overhead Press need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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