Plate Front Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Plate Front Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Plate Front Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plate Front Raise more often — 2,347 sessions compared to 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plate Front Raise 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 Plate Front Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Plate Front Raise | Smith Machine Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,347 sessions | 1,214 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 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, Plate Front Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?
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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plate Front Raise loads front delts, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Plate Front Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?
Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Plate Front Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
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