Arnold Press vs Plate Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Arnold Press is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Arnold Press and Plate Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Arnold Press vs Plate Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions compared to 2,347 for Plate Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arnold Press and Plate Front Raise differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Arnold Press and Plate Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Plate Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 2,347 sessions |
How to Do Arnold Press
Arnold Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
- 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
- 2. For those with rotator cuff issues, I recommend the Arnold press over the standard shoulder press.
For a full Arnold Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arnold Press exercise guide.
How to Do Plate Front Raise
Plate Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms to return to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your hands above shoulder height.
For a full Plate Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plate Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Plate Front Raise?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arnold Press and Plate Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Plate Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Plate Front Raise need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Plate Front Raise once your form holds up.
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