Face Pull vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions vs 1,214. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Face Pull vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions compared to 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Smith Machine Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Machine type | cable-driven | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 1,214 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Face Pull, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Face Pull Guide page of our blog!
How to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Smith Machine Behind Neck Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

