Smith Machine Overhead Press vs EZ-Bar Front Raise
Which one fits 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.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Smith Machine Overhead Press vs EZ-Bar Front Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
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.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Overhead Press and EZ-Bar 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 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 Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Smith Machine Overhead Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Overhead Press exercise guide.
How to Do 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 Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the barbell higher than shoulder height.
For a full EZ-Bar Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the EZ-Bar Front Raise exercise guide.
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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