Seated Overhead Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Bent Over Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions compared to 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Bent Over 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Bent Over Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | rear delts and traps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 17,552 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
Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Bent Over Lateral Raise?
Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Bent Over Lateral Raise need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Bent Over Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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