Seated Overhead Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 sessions vs 1,486. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Seated Overhead Press vs Smith Machine Overhead Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 sessions compared to 1,486 for Seated Overhead Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Overhead Press and Smith Machine Overhead Press 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Seated Overhead Press | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,486 sessions | 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine 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 can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Seated Overhead Press or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Seated Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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