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Exercise Guide

How to do barbell front raise

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The barbell front raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the anterior deltoids. By lifting the barbell with straight arms to shoulder height, you focus the tension on the front of the shoulders. This movement is beneficial for improving shoulder aesthetics and building the strength needed for various pressing and overhead movements in your training.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Barbell Placement: Position the barbell on the floor in front of you.
  2. Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
  3. Grip: Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Starting Position: Stand tall with your chest up, shoulders back, and core engaged. Hold the barbell in front of your thighs with your arms straight.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Raise: Keeping your arms straight, raise the barbell upwards and out in front of you.
  2. Raise to Shoulder Height: Continue raising until the barbell is parallel to the floor (or slightly higher if comfortable).
  3. Pause at the Top: Briefly pause at the top, feeling the contraction in your shoulders.
  4. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner, resisting gravity.

Tips:

  • Engage your core: Keep your core tight throughout the entire movement.
  • Avoid swinging: Don't use momentum to swing the barbell. The movement should be controlled and deliberate.
  • Breathe: Exhale as you raise the barbell and inhale as you lower it.

Common mistakes: Using excessive body sway to lift the bar, shrugging the shoulders, and lifting the bar significantly higher than shoulder level.

Alternatives

Cable

cable front raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell

barbell overhead press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing alternate press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell

barbell seated behind the neck press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing overhead press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench

barbell seated overhead press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell seated press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing alternate raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline y raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine

machine hammer grip shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine

machine seated shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell

kettlebell strict press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell

barbell front raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell

kettlebell upright row

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None

pike push-up

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band

resistance band overhead press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell push press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell arnold press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine

smit-machine seated shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine

smit-machine standing shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2