Barbell Front Raise vs Face Pull
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,316 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Face Pull and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Face Pull: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,316 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Face Pull 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 Face Pull Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Face Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | rear delts, biceps, and traps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 12,316 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 Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Face Pull?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,316 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 Face Pull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Face Pull need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Face Pull needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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