When it comes to working out your shoulders, there are a variety of exercises you can do. Two popular exercises are the Arnold press and the shoulder press. Although these exercises may seem similar, they have some key differences that can affect which one you choose to include in your workout routine.
What is the Arnold Press?
The Arnold press is a shoulder exercise named after the famous bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. The exercise involves holding a dumbbell in each hand and starting with your arms bent and palms facing your body. As you lift the weights, you rotate your hands so that your palms are facing forward at the top of the movement. This exercise targets the front and side deltoids, as well as the triceps and upper chest.
What is the Shoulder Press?
The shoulder press, also known as the overhead press, is a compound exercise that targets the shoulders, triceps, and upper back. This exercise involves standing with a barbell or dumbbells at shoulder height, then pressing the weight overhead until your arms are fully extended. You then lower the weight back down to your shoulders, completing one rep.
How Are They Different?
The main difference between the Arnold press and the shoulder press is the range of motion and the muscles targeted. The Arnold press involves rotating your hands as you lift the weights, which targets the front and side deltoids more than the shoulder press. The shoulder press, on the other hand, involves a more vertical motion, which targets the entire shoulder complex more evenly.
Another difference is the equipment used. The Arnold press is typically done with dumbbells, while the shoulder press can be done with dumbbells or a barbell. Using a barbell allows you to use more weight, but may not be as comfortable for some people as it puts more strain on the wrists.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Arnold press and the shoulder press ultimately depends on your goals and fitness level. If you want to target your front and side deltoids more specifically, or if you have an injury that prevents you from doing a vertical pressing motion, the Arnold press may be a better option for you. However, if you want to target your entire shoulder complex more evenly, or if you want to use heavier weights, the shoulder press may be a better choice.
It's also important to note that both exercises can be done with variations, such as using a machine or doing a seated press. Experimenting with different variations can help you find what works best for your body and fitness goals.
Conclusion
Both the Arnold press and the shoulder press are effective exercises for working out your shoulders. The key differences between the two are the range of motion, muscles targeted, and equipment used. Choosing which exercise to include in your workout routine ultimately depends on your goals and fitness level.