Seated Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Seated Overhead Press vs Dumbbell Shoulder Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions compared to 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Dumbbell Shoulder Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 42,733 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Seated Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!
How to Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbells vertically.
- 2. Please lift them without bringing the dumbbells together, just as they are.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a 'clicking' sound, position your elbows in front of your body instead of at your sides.
- 2. If the pain continues, lower the dumbbell weight by about 20% or try substituting with a different shoulder exercise.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Dumbbell Shoulder Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Dumbbell Shoulder Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Dumbbell Shoulder Press?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 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.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Dumbbell Shoulder Press need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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