Exercise description of the barbell front raise.  Learn about the barbell front raise with video and pictures.  Also learn how the barbell front raise can improve your sports performance.

Primary muscles worked:  Anterior Deltoid

Synergist Muscles:  Forearms

Mechanics: Isolation

Equipment: Barbell

How to perform the exercise: The athlete can perform the barbell front raise in the following manner. First, the athlete should grip a barbell with an overhand grip hands spaced shoulder width apart. The arms should be at full extension, barbell touching the thighs, and the palms should be facing the athlete. Next, the athlete will raise their arms up, keeping them straight. The athlete will continue to raise their arms until they become parallel to the floor. This motion will utilize the muscles in the shoulder, primarily the anterior deltoid. After the athlete's arms are parallel to the floor, the athlete may return the barbell to the starting position. It is important for the athlete to remember to not lean back to assist with the lift as this may cause stress on the spine.

Spotting the exercise:  The spotter for the barbell front raise should stand in front of the athlete. If the athlete begins to struggle with the lift, the spotter should apply upward force on the bar to help the athlete finish the desired number of repetitions.

Sport specific application:  The barbell front raise can be utilized to strengthen the front part of the shoulder. While not directly related to the motion of boxing, the motion of the front raise can help with shoulder endurance front an elevated position. Since boxers are often required to keep their hands up at all times, the barbell front raise can improve endurance for this, as well as, increasing punching power.