Lateral Raise Machine vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions vs 1,214. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Lateral Raise Machine vs Smith Machine 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 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ

What differsLateral Raise MachineSmith Machine Behind Neck Press
Muscles workedside deltsfront delts, side delts, and triceps
Machine typepin-loadedSmith-machine
Difficulty1 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users5,383 sessions1,214 sessions

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How to Do Lateral Raise Machine

Lateral Raise Machine demo video

Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows bent.
  2. 2. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
  3. 3. However, do not lower the equipment completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Lateral Raise Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do Smith Machine Behind Neck Press

Smith Machine Behind Neck Press demo video

Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.

For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?

Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions against 1,214 for Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?

Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.

What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?

Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.

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