Band Front Raise vs Dumbbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Band Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Band Front Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Band Front Raise vs Dumbbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Upright Row more often — 663 sessions compared to 465 for Band Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Band Front Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Band Front Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Band Front Raise | Dumbbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a resistance band | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 465 sessions | 663 sessions |
How to Do Band Front Raise
Band Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure your palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position.
- 4. 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 higher than shoulder level.
For a full Band Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Front Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Upright Row
Dumbbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain the shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Band Front Raise or Dumbbell Upright Row?
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 Band Front Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Band Front Raise loads front delts, and Dumbbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Band Front Raise and Dumbbell Upright Row need?
Band Front Raise needs a resistance band, and Dumbbell Upright Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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