Dumbbell Front Raise vs Face Pull
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Face Pull works multiple joints at once, Dumbbell Front Raise isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Front Raise and Face Pull and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Front Raise vs Face Pull: 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 12,316 for Face Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Front Raise and Face Pull 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 Face Pull Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Front Raise | Face Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | rear delts, biceps, and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,124 sessions | 12,316 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 Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. 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 Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Front Raise or Face Pull?
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 Face Pull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Front Raise loads front delts, and Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Front Raise and Face Pull need?
Dumbbell Front Raise needs a dumbbell, and Face Pull needs a machine.
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