Upright row question...

[trevor]

Cathe,
Quick question for ya:
Upright rows with a barbell, and lateral raises with dumbbells...they pretty much work the same muscles in the shoulder, correct? I've been doing the rows for awhile now and the definiton in the outside of my shoulders seems as good as it ever was when I was just doing the lateral raises. Plus I can obviously go much heavier using the rows.
Thanks!
Trevor

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Trevor! Well, yes and no depending on how you do them. Upright rows work the shoulders, trapezius, and even the bicep area. You can also go much heavier while doing this exercise. Lateral raises work pretty much the medial deltoid unless you bring your arms out and up higher than your shoulder height(which is not usually recommended). In this case the trap's would also be called into play. You also use much lighter weight for lateral raises than for upright rows.

In any case, I am glad to hear that you are seeing great definition in your shoulders. Way to go

 

[trevor]

You know.....

I do notice it seems when I put my hands closer together on the barbell while doing upright rows, that I feel it more in the outside of the shoulders much like I do when performing lateral raises.
The rows are something fairly new to my regimen. I got bored, like I easily do get in the gym, with the lateral raises.
Anyway, thanks for answering my question Cathe. Ihope you have a super weekend!
Trevor