Seated Overhead Press vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Barbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions compared to 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Barbell Upright Row 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 Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 4,261 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 Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 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 Seated Overhead Press and Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Barbell Upright Row need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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