Face Pull vs Barbell Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions vs 683. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Face Pull and Barbell Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Face Pull vs Barbell Shrug: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions compared to 683 for Barbell Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Face Pull and Barbell Shrug differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Face Pull and Barbell Shrug Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Barbell Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 683 sessions |
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.
How to Do Barbell Shrug
Barbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please make sure that the neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Barbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Shrug exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Barbell Shrug?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 683 for Barbell Shrug. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Face Pull and Barbell Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Barbell Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Face Pull and Barbell Shrug need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Barbell Shrug needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Shrug once your form holds up.
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