Face Pull vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions vs 4,261. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Face Pull and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Face Pull vs Barbell Upright Row: 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 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Face Pull and Barbell Upright Row 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 Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 4,261 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 Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 4,261 for Barbell Upright Row. 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 Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Face Pull and Barbell Upright Row need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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