Plate Front Raise

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Beginner
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An isolation shoulder exercise using a weight plate, the front raise primarily targets the anterior deltoids to build shoulder hypertrophy and strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Plates

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Traps, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Anterior Delts

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Abs

2/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Shorter rest periods are ideal for hypertrophy.

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a single weight plate vertically with both hands at hip level, palms facing the body. Keep a slight bend in the elbows.

  1. Maintain an upright torso and brace the core throughout the movement.
  2. Slowly raise the plate straight up in front of you using only your shoulders.
  3. Continue lifting until the plate reaches roughly shoulder height.
  4. Pause briefly at the top, ensuring deltoids are fully contracted.
  5. Control the plate as you slowly lower it back to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with the elbows.
  • Shoulders down and back.
  • Maintain slight elbow bend.
  • Slow and controlled descent.

Breathing

Inhale while lowering the plate; exhale forcefully as you raise the plate to shoulder height.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Lift the plate from hip level until the arms are parallel to the floor, stopping at shoulder height.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Do not use weights that compromise good form or cause excessive lumbar arching.
  • Stop the movement immediately if you experience sharp shoulder pain.

Spotting

Not required or recommended due to the isolation nature; self-terminate the set if form breaks down.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging the weight using momentum.
  • Arching the lower back excessively.
  • Raising the plate too high above shoulder level.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Existing rotator cuff injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Good active shoulder flexion range of motion

Build Up First

  • Basic core stabilization ability

Also known as

Weight Plate Front Raise, Front Plate Raise

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