Barbell Front Raise vs Arnold Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Arnold Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Arnold Press: 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 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Arnold Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Front Raise and Arnold Press Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Arnold Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 2,745 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Front Raise
Barbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please slowly lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the barbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the barbell higher than shoulder height.
For a full Barbell Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Front Raise exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Arnold Press?
Planfit users log Arnold Press more often — 2,745 sessions against 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Front Raise and Arnold Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Arnold Press need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Arnold Press needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Arnold Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
