Seated Overhead Press vs Plate Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Plate Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Plate Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plate Front Raise more often — 2,347 sessions compared to 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Plate 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 Plate Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Plate Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 2,347 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 Plate Front Raise
Plate Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms to return to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your hands above shoulder height.
For a full Plate Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plate Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Plate Front Raise?
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 Plate Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Plate Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Seated Overhead Press and Plate Front Raise need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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