Shoulder Press Machine vs Dumbbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions vs 663. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Shoulder Press Machine and Dumbbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Shoulder Press Machine vs Dumbbell Upright Row: 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 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Shoulder Press Machine and Dumbbell Upright Row 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 Dumbbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Shoulder Press Machine | Dumbbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 35,656 sessions | 663 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 Dumbbell Upright Row
Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain the shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Shoulder Press Machine or Dumbbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions against 663 for Dumbbell Upright Row. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Shoulder Press Machine and Dumbbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Shoulder Press Machine loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Shoulder Press Machine and Dumbbell Upright Row need?
Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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