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Last updated March 5, 2026
Shoulders
Front Raise - Seated (Barbell)
Sit on a bench holding a barbell. Raise the bar in front of you to shoulder height with straight arms. Lower it slowly to prevent swinging.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Low-Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Front Shoulders
Secondary
Upper Chest
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
BarbellBench
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor, ensuring your back is supported.
- Hold a barbell with both hands, using an overhand grip, and let it rest on your thighs.
- Step 2Position the Barbell
- Lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your arms straight but not locked.
- Your hands should be shoulder-width apart, and your palms facing down.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Sit up straight, retracting your shoulder blades and engaging your core muscles.
- Ensure your back remains straight and your head is in a neutral position.
- Step 4Lift the Barbell
- Slowly raise the barbell in front of you to shoulder height, keeping your arms straight.
- Focus on using your shoulders to lift the weight, not your back.
- Step 5Hold the Position
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring your arms are parallel to the ground.
- Maintain control and avoid swinging the barbell.
- Step 6Lower the Barbell
- Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position on your thighs.
- Keep your movements controlled to avoid injury.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the lift and lower for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the barbell back on your thighs.
- Stand up slowly, ensuring your back is straight as you do so.
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