Barbell Front Raise vs Barbell Shrug
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Barbell Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Barbell Shrug for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Barbell Front Raise vs Barbell Shrug : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Front Raise more often — 1,357 sessions compared to 683 for Barbell Shrug.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Barbell Front Raise and Barbell Shrug differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Front Raise and Barbell Shrug Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Barbell Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | traps |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 683 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- Please be careful not to lift the barbell higher than shoulder height.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Front Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Front Raise Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Shrug
Barbell Shrug muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please make sure that the neck does not protrude excessively forward.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Shrug, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Shrug Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Barbell Shrug?
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 Barbell Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Barbell Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Barbell Shrug need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Barbell Shrug needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Shrug once your form holds up.
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