Shoulder Press Machine vs Face Pull
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions vs 12,316. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Shoulder Press Machine and Face Pull and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Shoulder Press Machine vs Face Pull: 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 12,316 for Face Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Shoulder Press Machine and Face Pull 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 Face Pull Differ
| What differs | Shoulder Press Machine | Face Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | rear delts, biceps, and traps |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 35,656 sessions | 12,316 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 Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Shoulder Press Machine or Face Pull?
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions against 12,316 for Face Pull. 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 Face Pull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Shoulder Press Machine loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps.
What equipment do Shoulder Press Machine and Face Pull need?
Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine, and Face Pull needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Face Pull once your form holds up.
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