Seated Overhead Press vs Band Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Band Lateral Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Band Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Band Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Overhead Press more often — 1,486 sessions compared to 914 for Band Lateral Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Band 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 Seated Overhead Press and Band Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Band Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 914 sessions |
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.
How to Do Band Lateral Raise
Band Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing the floor or towards the front of your body.
- 3. Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to raise your hands higher than shoulder height.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Band Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Band Lateral Raise?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Seated Overhead Press and Band Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Band Lateral Raise loads side delts.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Band Lateral Raise need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Band Lateral Raise needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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