Dumbbell Front Raise vs Bent Over Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Front Raise vs Bent Over Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bent Over Lateral Raise more often — 17,552 sessions compared to 16,124 for Dumbbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Front Raise | Bent Over Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | rear delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,124 sessions | 17,552 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise
Bent Over Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the dumbbells to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. With your palms facing down, feel the contraction of the rear shoulder muscles.
- 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 Bent Over Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bent Over Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Front Raise or Bent Over Lateral 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.
Do Dumbbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Bent Over Lateral Raise loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Front Raise and Bent Over Lateral Raise need?
Dumbbell Front Raise needs a dumbbell, and Bent Over Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Bent Over Lateral Raise once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
