Face Pull vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Face Pull vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: 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 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Face Pull and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press 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 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 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 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
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.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
