Overhead Press vs Barbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Overhead Press and Barbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Overhead Press vs Barbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Overhead Press and Barbell 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 Overhead Press and Barbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Overhead Press | Barbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 17,150 sessions | 1,357 sessions |
How to Do Overhead Press
Overhead Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your hips and core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can put strain on your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your hips and core lose tension, it can put strain on your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
For a full Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Overhead Press exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Front Raise
Barbell Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please slowly lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms are facing down towards the floor.
- 3. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower the barbell completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the barbell higher than shoulder height.
For a full Barbell Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Overhead Press or Barbell Front Raise?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Overhead Press and Barbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Overhead Press and Barbell Front Raise need?
Overhead Press needs a barbell, and Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
