Barbell Front Raise vs Band Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Band Lateral 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 Barbell Front Raise and Band Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Band Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Front Raise more often — 1,357 sessions compared to 914 for Band Lateral Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Band Lateral Raise 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 Band Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Band Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | side delts |
| Equipment | a barbell | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 914 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 Band Lateral Raise
Band Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing the floor or towards the front of your body.
- 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
- 1. Please be careful not to raise your hands higher than shoulder height.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Band Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Band Lateral 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 Barbell Front Raise and Band Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Band Lateral Raise loads side delts.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Band Lateral Raise need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Band Lateral Raise needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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