Smith Machine Overhead Press vs Cable Shoulder Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions vs 179. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Overhead Press and Cable Shoulder Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Smith Machine Overhead Press vs Cable Shoulder Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Overhead Press and Cable Shoulder Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Overhead Press and Cable Shoulder Press Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Overhead Press | Cable Shoulder Press |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Smith-machine | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 13,000 sessions | 179 sessions |
How to Do Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine Overhead Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Smith Machine Overhead Press or Cable Shoulder Press?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions against 179 for Cable Shoulder Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Smith Machine Overhead Press and Cable Shoulder Press need?
Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine, and Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Shoulder Press once your form holds up.
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