Shoulder Press Machine vs Barbell Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions vs 1,357. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Shoulder Press Machine and Barbell Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Shoulder Press Machine vs Barbell Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 sessions compared to 1,357 for Barbell Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Shoulder Press 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 Shoulder Press Machine and Barbell Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Shoulder Press Machine | Barbell Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 35,656 sessions | 1,357 sessions |
How to Do Shoulder Press Machine
Shoulder Press Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the weight vertically.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If you feel pain in your shoulder or hear a sound, change your grip so that your elbows are positioned in front of your body.
- 2. If the pain continues despite this, lower the weight or stop the exercise.
- 3. Brace your abs and keep your torso stable so that your lower back does not arch.
For a full Shoulder Press Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Shoulder Press 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, Shoulder Press Machine or Barbell Front Raise?
Planfit users log Shoulder Press Machine more often — 35,656 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 Shoulder Press Machine and Barbell Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Shoulder Press Machine loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Barbell Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Shoulder Press Machine and Barbell Front Raise need?
Shoulder Press Machine needs a machine, and Barbell Front Raise needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Shoulder Press Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Front Raise once your form holds up.
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