Barbell Front Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: 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 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Smith Machine Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 1,214 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?
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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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