Seated Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Front Raise more often — 16,124 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Front Raise more often — 16,124 sessions compared to 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front 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 Dumbbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Dumbbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 16,124 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 Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. With your elbows slightly bent, slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height.
- 2. Make sure your palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 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 Dumbbell Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Dumbbell Front Raise?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Front Raise more often — 16,124 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 Dumbbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Dumbbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Front Raise need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Front Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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