Barbell Front Raise vs Plate Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Plate Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Plate Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plate Front Raise more often — 2,347 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Plate Front 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 Plate Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Plate Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 2,347 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 Plate Front Raise
Plate Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms to return to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your hands above shoulder height.
For a full Plate Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plate Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Plate Front 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.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Plate Front Raise need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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