Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Lateral Raise vs Barbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Front 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 Lateral Raise and Barbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Barbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 54,896 sessions | 1,357 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Dumbbell Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please slowly lift the dumbbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the dumbbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lift the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Dumbbell Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Lateral Raise exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Lateral Raise or Barbell Front Raise?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lateral Raise more often — 54,896 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 Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Barbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Dumbbell Lateral Raise and Barbell Front Raise need?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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