Using momentum
Keep the torso still and choose a load that can be raised without a knee dip or backward lean.
Barbell Front Raises
Barbell Front Raises targets the anterior deltoids by raising the load in front of the body without using trunk momentum.
- Primary muscle
- Shoulders
Primary musclesAnterior deltoids
Secondary musclesUpper pectoralis major, Serratus anterior, Upper trapezius
- Equipment
- Barbell
How to perform Barbell Front Raises
Follow the sequence in order, paying attention to the starting position, movement path, and finish described in each step.
For Barbell Front Raises, hold the load in front of the thighs with the palms facing down or inward and the elbows softly bent.
Brace the abdomen, stack the ribs over the pelvis, and keep the head in line with the spine.
Raise the load forward until the arms approach shoulder height without leaning backward or shrugging.
Stop around shoulder height, or earlier if the pain-free range is shorter, and keep the wrists straight.
Lower over two to three seconds until the load returns beside or in front of the thighs without dropping.
Common Barbell Front Raises mistakes
Shrugging
Keep the neck relaxed and shoulders away from the ears during the raise.
Forcing shoulder height
Use the pain-free range available today; the arm does not need to reach exactly parallel to the floor.
Dropping the load
Lower slowly so the shoulder controls the return rather than gravity.
When to modify or choose another exercise
- Using momentum: Keep the torso still and choose a load that can be raised without a knee dip or backward lean.
- Forcing shoulder height: Use the pain-free range available today; the arm does not need to reach exactly parallel to the floor.
- Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
- Alternative Supported single-arm raise: Use the free hand for balance and a very light load so the torso cannot create momentum.
How to use Barbell Front Raises in a training program
Where it fits in a session
Place Barbell Front Raises after compound pressing so local shoulder fatigue does not reduce overhead or bench-press performance.
How often to use it
Use one to three times per week and count pressing volume that already trains the front and side shoulders.
Starting rep ranges by goal
| Goal | Sets | Reps or time | Rest | Effort and execution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength accessory | 2–4 | 6–10 | 75–150 sec | Leave 2–3 controlled reps in reserve |
| Muscle growth | 2–4 | 10–20 | 60–120 sec | Usually 1–3 clean reps in reserve |
Pairing and sequencing
- Use Barbell Front Raises after Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press rather than before the main press.
- Pair it with Standing Face Pull or a rear-shoulder exercise for complementary shoulder work.
Scale the movement
Regressions and progressions for Barbell Front Raises
Start with an easier option
Supported single-arm raise
Use the free hand for balance and a very light load so the torso cannot create momentum.
Partial-range raise
Work only through the pain-free range and extend it gradually as control improves.
Progress when form is repeatable
Tempo Barbell Front Raises
Lower over three seconds while keeping the neck relaxed and torso still.
Cable raise
Use cable resistance for continuous tension after dumbbell technique is consistent.
References
- American Council on ExerciseACE Exercise Library ↗
- Mayo ClinicWeight Training: Do's and Don'ts of Proper Technique ↗
- American College of Sports MedicineACSM Resistance Training Guidelines Update ↗
Barbell
Barbell Shrug
Dumbbells
Bent Over Rear Delt Fly
Strength Machine
Bent Over Single-Arm Rear Delt Cable Fly
Strength Machine
Cable Palm-Up Front Raises
Strength Machine
Cable Lateral Raise
Strength Machine
Cable Shoulder External Rotation
Strength Machine
Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation
Strength Machine
Cable Upright Row
Dumbbells
Chest Supported Dumbbell Rear Delt Fly
Dumbbells
Chest Supported Y Raise
Bodyweight
Dip Shrugs Serratus Shrugs
Barbell
Incline Chest Supported Barbell Front Raises
Landmine
Landmine Shoulder Press
Landmine
Landmine Single-Arm Shoulder Press
Strength Machine
Machine Seated Shoulder Press
Weight Plate
Plate Truck Driver
Strength Machine
Rear Delt Cable Fly
Strength Machine
Seated Cable Shoulder Press
Dumbbells
Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Dumbbells
Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Strength Machine
Seated Face Pull
Dumbbells
Shoulder Front Raise To Lateral Raise
Dumbbells
Shoulder Lateral Raise To Front Raise
Dumbbells
Single-Arm Dumbbell Rear Delt Row
Barbell
Split Jerk
Exercise Ball
Stability Ball Pull Apart Pulses
Dumbbells
Standing Arnold Press
Dumbbells
Standing Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Strength Machine
Standing Face Pull
Barbell
Standing Military Press
Dumbbells
Standing Single-Arm Lateral Raises
Dumbbells
Y Raise
Dumbbells
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Bands
Band Face Pull
Weight Plate
Plate Front Raise
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