Barbell Front Raise vs Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine

Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?

Contents

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.

Compare the benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.

Barbell Front Raise vs Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine: 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 1,112 for Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine Differ

What differsBarbell Front RaiseBent Over Lateral Raise Machine
Muscles workedfront deltsrear delts and traps
Equipmenta barbella machine
Difficulty4 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users1,357 sessions1,112 sessions

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Not sure whether Barbell Front Raise or Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Barbell Front Raise

Barbell Front Raise demo video

Barbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Please slowly lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  2. 2. Make sure the palms are facing down towards the floor.
  3. 3. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
  4. 4. However, do not lower the barbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Barbell Front Raise?Exercise Guide

How to Do Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine demo video

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
  2. 2. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
  3. 3. However, do not lower the equipment completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.

Coach's Tips

  1. Please be careful not to lift the equipment higher than shoulder height.

For a full Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine?

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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine work the same muscles?

Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine loads rear delts and traps.

What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine need?

Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Bent Over Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.

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