Barbell Front Raise vs Smith Machine Overhead Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Front Raise vs Smith Machine Overhead Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead 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 Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Barbell Front Raise | Smith Machine Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,357 sessions | 13,111 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 Overhead Press
Smith Machine Overhead Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Front Raise or Smith Machine Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,111 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 Smith Machine Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Smith Machine Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Front Raise and Smith Machine Overhead Press need?
Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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