Exercise Comparison
Alternating Deltoid Raise vs Barbell Shoulder Press
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Shoulder Press
Instructions
Alternating Deltoid Raise
In a standing position, hold a pair of dumbbells at your side.
Keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise the weights directly in front of you to shoulder height, avoiding any swinging or cheating.
Return the weights to your side.
On the next repetition, raise the weights laterally, raising them out to your side to about shoulder height.
Return the weights to the starting position and continue alternating to the front and side.
Barbell Shoulder Press
Sit on a bench with back support in a squat rack. Position a barbell at a height that is just above your head. Grab the barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing forward).
Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip width, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
Lower the bar down to the shoulders slowly as you inhale.
Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Deltoid Raise is a beginner exercise using dumbbell, while Barbell Shoulder Press is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Alternating Deltoid Raise if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Barbell Shoulder Press for a greater challenge. Barbell Shoulder Press is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Alternating Deltoid Raise isolates the target muscle for focused development.