Barbell Front Raise
Build strong, defined shoulders with Barbell Front Raises! A classic exercise for serious deltoid development.
The Barbell Front Raise mainly works the shoulders, with help from the chest and back. You'll need: barbell.
Required Equipment
Barbell Front Raise Muscles Worked
Primary
Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid)
Secondary
Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head); Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior)
Barbell Front Raise Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Barbell Front Raise
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Hold a barbell in front of your thighs with an overhand grip (palms facing down) and hands slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.
Keep your arms straight with a slight bend in the elbows to maintain tension on the anterior deltoids and to reduce stress on the joints.
Inhale and brace your core. Keep your back straight and avoid swinging your body during the lift.
Exhale as you slowly lift the barbell upward and outward to just above shoulder height, keeping your arms and wrists straight.
Pause briefly at the top with the barbell at or slightly above parallel to the floor.
Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled motion, resisting the weight on the way down.
Repeat for the desired number of reps and sets.
Tips: Avoid using excessive weight, which can cause you to use momentum rather than isolating the shoulder muscles. Move only your arms during the exercise, keeping your torso stationary to maximize engagement of the target muscles. Keep your neck relaxed and ensure your shoulders do not shrug up towards your ears, maintaining good form throughout the movement.
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Barbell Front Raise FAQs
What muscles does the Barbell Front Raise work?
The Barbell Front Raise mainly works the shoulders, with help from the chest and back. The main muscles are the anterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Front Raise?
Barbell.
What workout day should the Barbell Front Raise go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Barbell Front Raise variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Band Front Raise, Barbell Rear-Delt Raise, Barbell Seated Front Raise and Barbell Shoulder-Grip Upright Row.
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