Dumbbell Front Raise vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Upright Row works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Front Raise isolates — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Front Raise vs Barbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Front Raise more often — 16,124 sessions compared to 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Front Raise | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,124 sessions | 4,261 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. With your elbows slightly bent, slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height.
- 2. Make sure your palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbells completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
For a full Dumbbell Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Front Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Front Raise or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Front Raise more often — 16,124 sessions against 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row need?
Dumbbell Front Raise needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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