Shoulder Press Machine vs Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions vs 466. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Shoulder Press Machine and Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Shoulder Press Machine vs Behind Neck 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 466 for Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Shoulder Press Machine and Behind Neck 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 Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Shoulder Press Machine | Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 35,656 sessions | 466 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 Behind Neck Press
Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Shoulder Press Machine or Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions against 466 for Behind Neck 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 Behind Neck Press need?
Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine, and Behind Neck Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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