Shoulder Press Machine vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions vs 1,214. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Shoulder Press Machine and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Shoulder Press Machine vs Smith Machine 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 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Shoulder Press Machine and Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ

What differsShoulder Press MachineSmith Machine Behind Neck Press
Machine typepin-loadedSmith-machine
Difficulty1 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users35,656 sessions1,214 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Shoulder Press Machine or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Shoulder Press Machine

Shoulder Press Machine demo video

Shoulder Press Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the weight vertically.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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. 2. If the pain continues despite this, lower the weight or stop the exercise.
  3. 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.

Want to learn more about Shoulder Press Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do Smith Machine Behind Neck Press

Smith Machine Behind Neck Press demo video

Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.

For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Shoulder Press Machine or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?

Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions against 1,214 for Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?

Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.

Stop Guessing Which One to Do

AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

Join 4M+ users who found their perfect workout plan

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image