Lateral Raise Machine vs Barbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Barbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine 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 Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Barbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 1,357 sessions |
How to Do Lateral Raise Machine
Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows bent.
- 2. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower the equipment completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the equipment higher than shoulder height.
For a full Lateral Raise Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lateral Raise Machine 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, Lateral Raise Machine or Barbell Front Raise?
Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 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 Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Barbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Barbell Front Raise need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine 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.
