Lateral Raise Machine vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Smith Machine Overhead Press works multiple joints at once, Lateral Raise Machine isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Smith Machine Overhead Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 sessions compared to 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine 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 can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Smith Machine Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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