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Plate Front Raise

PushIsolationDumbbellsIntermediate
Plate Front Raise — Starting positionPlate Front Raise — End position

Muscles worked

Front
Back
Shoulders

Instructions

  1. 1While standing straight, hold a barbell plate in both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Your palms should be facing each other and your arms should be extended and locked with a slight bend at the elbows and the plate should be down near your waist in front of you as far as you can go. Tip: The arms will remain in this position throughout the exercise. This will be your starting position.
  2. 2Slowly raise the plate as you exhale until it is a little above shoulder level. Hold the contraction for a second. Tip: make sure that you do not swing the weight or bend at the elbows. Your torso should remain stationary throughout the movement as well.
  3. 3As you inhale, slowly lower the plate back down to the starting position.
  4. 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

table_chartRecommended sets and reps

These ranges vary depending on your training goal — adjust the load accordingly.

GoalSetsRepsRest
boltStrength3–46–82–3 min
fitness_centerHypertrophy3–410–1560 s
timerEndurance2–315–2030–45 s

About Plate Front Raise

The plate front raise uses a two-handed grip on a weight plate, which naturally stabilizes the movement and concentrates the effort on the front deltoid without the compensations sometimes seen with dumbbells. It's a simple, effective variant that only requires a weight plate, easily available in any gym.

check_circleBenefits

  • check_circleTwo-handed grip that naturally stabilizes the movement
  • check_circleEffective isolation of the front deltoid
  • check_circleOnly requires a weight plate, very accessible

lightbulbExecution tips

  • lightbulbKeep the arms extended with a slight elbow bend throughout
  • lightbulbDon't raise higher than shoulder level
  • lightbulbAvoid swinging the torso to create momentum

warningCommon mistakes

  • warningSwinging the torso to help lift the plate
  • warningRaising too high above shoulder level
  • warningToo much load that breaks technique

helpFrequently asked questions

What's the difference from the dumbbell front raise?expand_more

The two-handed grip on the plate stabilizes the movement more, useful if you were compensating with dumbbells.

How many reps should I aim for?expand_more

Between 10 and 15 reps with a moderate to light load is enough to properly isolate the front deltoid.

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