Smith Machine Overhead Press vs EZ-Bar Front Raise
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions vs 976. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar Front Raise for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Smith Machine Overhead Press vs EZ-Bar Front Raise : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions compared to 976 for EZ-Bar Front Raise.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar Front Raise differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Overhead Press | EZ-Bar Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 13,000 sessions | 976 sessions |
How to Smith Machine Overhead Press
Smith Machine Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can strain your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your core relaxes, it can strain your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!
How to EZ-Bar Front Raise
EZ-Bar 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 of your hands 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 Comment
- Please be careful not to lift the barbell higher than shoulder height.
If you want to know a detailed guide to EZ-Bar Front Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the EZ-Bar Front Raise Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Smith Machine Overhead Press or EZ-Bar Front Raise?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions against 976 for EZ-Bar Front Raise. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Smith Machine Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and EZ-Bar Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar Front Raise need?
Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine, and EZ-Bar Front Raise needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to EZ-Bar Front Raise once your form holds up.
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