Plate Front Raise vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Plate Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Plate Front Raise vs Barbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions compared to 2,347 for Plate Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plate Front Raise 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 Plate Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Plate Front Raise | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,347 sessions | 4,261 sessions |
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.
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, Plate Front Raise or Barbell Upright Row?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Plate Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plate Front Raise loads front delts, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Plate Front Raise and Barbell Upright Row need?
Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Upright Row once your form holds up.
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