Seated Overhead Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine: 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 1,112 for Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | rear delts and traps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 1,112 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine
Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine?
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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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