Shoulder Press Machine vs Arnold Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions vs 2,745. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Shoulder Press Machine and Arnold Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Shoulder Press Machine vs Arnold Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Shoulder Press Machine and Arnold Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Shoulder Press Machine and Arnold Press Differ
| What differs | Shoulder Press Machine | Arnold Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 35,656 sessions | 2,745 sessions |
How to Do Shoulder Press Machine
Shoulder Press Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the weight vertically.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a sound, change your grip so that your elbows are positioned in front of your body.
- 2. If the pain continues despite this, lower the weight or stop the exercise.
- 3. Brace your abs and keep your torso stable so that your lower back does not arch.
For a full Shoulder Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Shoulder Press Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Arnold Press
Arnold Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
- 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
- 2. For those with rotator cuff issues, I recommend the Arnold press over the standard shoulder press.
For a full Arnold Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arnold Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Shoulder Press Machine or Arnold Press?
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions against 2,745 for Arnold Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Shoulder Press Machine and Arnold Press need?
Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine, and Arnold Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Arnold Press once your form holds up.
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