Face Pull vs Plate Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions vs 2,347. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Face Pull and Plate Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Face Pull vs Plate Front Raise: 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 2,347 for Plate Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Face Pull and Plate 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 Face Pull and Plate Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Plate Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | front delts |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 2,347 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 Plate Front Raise
Plate Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms to return to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your hands above shoulder height.
For a full Plate Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plate Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Plate Front Raise?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 2,347 for Plate Front Raise. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Face Pull and Plate Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Plate Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Face Pull and Plate Front Raise need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Plate Front Raise once your form holds up.
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