Smith Machine Overhead Press vs Plate Front Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions vs 2,347. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Overhead Press and Plate Front Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Smith Machine Overhead Press vs Plate 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 2,347 for Plate Front Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Overhead Press and Plate 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 Plate Front Raise Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Overhead Press | Plate Front Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 13,000 sessions | 2,347 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 Plate Front Raise
Plate Front Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms to return to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your hands above shoulder height.
For a full Plate Front Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plate Front Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Smith Machine Overhead Press or Plate Front Raise?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Overhead Press more often — 13,000 sessions against 2,347 for Plate 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 Plate Front Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Smith Machine Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Plate Front Raise loads front delts.
What equipment do Smith Machine Overhead Press and Plate Front Raise need?
Smith Machine Overhead Press needs a machine, and Plate Front Raise needs bodyweight only.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
