Plate Front Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Plate Front Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Plate Front Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Plate Front Raise 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 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 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 Comment
- Please be careful not to raise your hands above shoulder height.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Plate Front Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Plate Front Raise 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, 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.
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.

