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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:
- Barbell Placement: Position the barbell on the floor in front of you.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
- Grip: Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- 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:
- Initiate the Raise: Keeping your arms straight, raise the barbell upwards and out in front of you.
- Raise to Shoulder Height: Continue raising until the barbell is parallel to the floor (or slightly higher if comfortable).
- Pause at the Top: Briefly pause at the top, feeling the contraction in your shoulders.
- 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