Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Barbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shoulder Press vs Barbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shoulder Press 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 Shoulder Press and Barbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Barbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 42,733 sessions | 1,357 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbells vertically.
- 2. Please lift them without bringing the dumbbells together, just as they are.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a 'clicking' sound, position your elbows in front of your body instead of at your sides.
- 2. If the pain continues, lower the dumbbell weight by about 20% or try substituting with a different shoulder exercise.
For a full Dumbbell Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Shoulder Press 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 Shoulder Press or Barbell Front Raise?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shoulder Press more often — 42,733 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 Shoulder Press and Barbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shoulder Press and Barbell Front Raise need?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Shoulder Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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