Lateral Raise Machine vs Face Pull
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Face Pull works multiple joints at once, Lateral Raise Machine isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Face Pull and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Face Pull: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,316 sessions compared to 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine and Face Pull 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 Face Pull Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Face Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | rear delts, biceps, and traps |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 12,316 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 Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Lateral Raise Machine or Face Pull?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,316 sessions against 5,383 for Lateral Raise Machine. 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 Face Pull work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lateral Raise Machine loads side delts, and Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Face Pull need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Face Pull needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Face Pull once your form holds up.
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