Barbell Front Raise vs Reverse Cable Fly
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Reverse Cable Fly and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Reverse Cable Fly: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Cable Fly more often — 1,771 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Reverse Cable Fly 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 Reverse Cable Fly Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Reverse Cable Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | rear delts and traps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 1,771 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 Reverse Cable Fly
Reverse Cable Fly Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Pull the grip to bring your arms beside your body.
- 2. 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 Reverse Cable Fly guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Reverse Cable Fly exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Reverse Cable Fly?
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 Reverse Cable Fly work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Reverse Cable Fly loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Reverse Cable Fly need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Reverse Cable Fly needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Reverse Cable Fly once your form holds up.
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