Are you struggling to isolate and target your shoulder muscles during your workout? Do you find it hard to perform certain exercises without engaging other muscle groups? One common cause of this problem is a lack of equipment options. However, there is a solution that can help you achieve your fitness goals – the band front raise. In this blog post, we will show you how to perform this exercise correctly and effectively, so that you can add it to your routine and start seeing results in your shoulder muscles.
Band Front Raise Summary
- Primary Muscles: Deltoid – Lateral
- Secondary Muscles: Deltoid – Anterior, Serratus Anterior, Supraspinatus, Trapezius – Lower, and Trapezius – Middle
- Equipment: Resistance Band
- Mechanics Type: Isolated
- Force: Push
- Utility: Auxiliary
Band Front Raise Instructions
- Start with the band handles in each hand and the band under your feet or secured in the middle at a low anchor.
- Next raise your hands up in front of your face while keeping your arms straight.
- Then after a slight pause slowly lower your arms back down to your hips.
- Repeat these front raises for a complete set.
Video Tutorial
Band Front Raise Muscles
Target (Agonist)
Synergists
Dynamic Stabilizers
- None
Stabilizers
- Levator Scapulae
- Trapezius – Upper
- Wrist Extensors
Antagonist Stabilizers

Benefits of Band Front Raise
The Band Front Raise is an excellent exercise for strengthening the deltoid – lateral muscles. It involves lifting a band from the front of your body up to shoulder level, with your arms bent at the elbow. The benefit of this exercise is that it targets the deltoid – lateral muscles specifically, helping to build strength and promote stability. Additionally, the resistance of the band provides a challenging workout that can be adapted to suit any fitness level. This exercise also helps to increase shoulder flexibility and mobility, improving overall range of motion. By performing this exercise regularly, you can build strength and muscular endurance in the deltoid – lateral muscles while also improving your overall fitness level.
Tips for Performing Band Front Raise
A great way to improve your fitness and get a full-body workout is to incorporate band front raises into your routine. Band front raises are a versatile exercise that can be done anywhere and with minimal equipment. Not only will you work your muscles, but you’ll also burn calories and build endurance. Ready to get started? Here are our top tips for doing band front raises correctly and effectively.
- Make sure that the bands are tight throughout the movement.
- Standing with your back against a wall will prevent you from rocking your body.
- Step on more band to increase the resistance.
Benefits and Tips Video
Frequent Mistakes To Avoid
When trying to get fit and healthy, it can be easy to make mistakes that can actually impede your progress. To help you get the best results and stay safe, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes made when doing band front raises. Below, we’ll outline some of the most common errors and how you can avoid them.
- It Is Best If You Don’t Rush Your Exercise. Every time you hurry your exercise routine, you are more likely to have poor form and accidents.
- You Must Not Rush Your Workout. Every time you speed through your workout, you are more likely to use improper technique and accidents.
- You Don’t Want To Forget About Rest Times. Over-training can, in fact, make you weakened in lieu of bigger.
Find More Resistance Band Exercises Here
Variations and Complementary Exercises
Before we jump into the list of variations, complementary, or alternative exercises for the exercise Band Front Raise, it’s important to understand that these exercises are not intended to replace the exercise Band Front Raise. Rather, they are additional exercises to supplement the original exercise Band Front Raise, targeting similar muscle groups as Band Front Raise and providing variety to your workout routine.
Band Upright Row

The Band Upright Row is a great complementary or alternative exercise for the Band Front Raise. It is a compound exercise that works multiple muscles at once, and helps to build strength and stability in the shoulders. To do this exercise, you will stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a resistance band in each hand. Pull the bands up to your chest, bending your elbows out to the sides as you do so. Make sure to keep your back straight and your core engaged throughout the movement. This exercise is an excellent way to target the upper back and shoulder muscles, as well as the core.
Barbell Front Raise

The barbell front raise is a great alternative or complementary exercise to the band front raise. It is an isolation exercise that targets the anterior deltoids and the supraspinatus. The barbell version of this exercise requires the use of a barbell and weights instead of resistance bands. It can be done standing or seated, with the barbell held in front of the body with both hands. The motion of the exercise involves raising the weight up until it is parallel to the floor and then lowering it back to the starting position. This exercise is great for building strength and muscle mass in the shoulders as well as improving posture.
Barbell Standing Front Raise Over Head

The Barbell Standing Front Raise Over Head is an effective and alternative exercise to the Band Front Raise. This exercise requires the use of a barbell, which adds extra resistance to target the shoulder muscles. This exercise is similar to the Band Front Raise, however it requires more stability and balance due to the added weight of the barbell. The exercise begins with the barbell held in front of the body, palms facing down and arms straight. The athlete then raises the barbell overhead, holding the shoulder blades together and keeping the arms straight throughout the entire movement. This exercise is great for improving shoulder strength, stability, and overall shoulder health.
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Barbell Standing Upright Row

The Barbell Standing Upright Row is an effective alternative exercise to the Band Front Raise. It is a compound exercise that targets the deltoids and trapezius muscles, working both the front and back of the shoulder. The exercise is performed by holding a barbell with an overhand grip, and then lifting it up to the collarbone while maintaining an upright posture. This exercise helps to build strength and stability in the shoulders, improving overall posture and aiding in injury prevention. It is a great compliment or alternative to the Band Front Raise as it targets the same muscle groups, but with a different approach.
Barbell Wide Grip Upright Row

The Barbell Wide Grip Upright Row is a great alternative or complementary exercise to the Band Front Raise. This exercise targets the same muscles as the Band Front Raise, including the deltoids, traps, and biceps, but with a slightly different angle of attack. This exercise involves grasping a barbell with an overhand grip, keeping your elbows close to your body as you raise the barbell up to your chin. The wide grip variation of this exercise helps to isolate the middle deltoids and traps more than a close-grip version. This exercise can be used as a great alternative or complementary exercise to the Band Front Raise to help develop better shoulder and back strength.
Cable Front Raises

Cable Front Raises are an excellent alternative or complementary exercise to the Band Front Raise. This exercise involves standing upright and using a cable pulley machine, while holding the cable handle with both hands. The arms are then raised forward and up in a semi-circular motion until they are parallel with the ground. This exercise strengthens the muscles of the shoulder, chest, and upper back. Cable Front Raises offer an increased resistance compared to the Band Front Raise, allowing for greater intensity and increased muscle development. Additionally, as the cable machine tracks the user’s movement, this exercise can help to improve technique and form.
Find More Shoulders Exercises Here
Opposing Complementary Exercises
It’s important to also work the opposing muscle groups of the exercise Band Front Raise in order to increase strength and balance in the body. Here are a few exercises that will do just that:
Assisted Wide Grip Chest Dip

The Assisted Wide Grip Chest Dip is a great exercise to complement the Band Front Raise. This exercise targets the chest muscles, while the Band Front Raise targets the shoulder muscles. By targeting opposing muscle groups, the Assisted Wide Grip Chest Dip helps to create an overall balance in the body. The Assisted Wide Grip Chest Dip also activates the triceps and core muscles, helping to increase stability and strength throughout the body. This exercise is a great way to add an extra layer of challenge to your workout routine and ensure you are getting a full body workout.
Smith Machine Reverse Grip Press

The Smith Machine Reverse Grip Press is an excellent exercise to complement the Band Front Raise as it works the opposing muscle group. It targets the triceps, while the Band Front Raise works the anterior deltoids. The Reverse Grip Press can be done with a barbell, using an overhand grip, or with a narrow grip, using an underhand grip. Both grips target the triceps, but the overhand grip is more effective for building strength, while the underhand grip is more effective for isolating the triceps and developing muscular endurance. This exercise provides excellent tricep activation and can help improve overall shoulder health and stability.
Smith Machine Decline Reverse Grip Press

The Smith Machine Decline Reverse Grip Press is a great complementary exercise to the Band Front Raise as it targets the opposing muscle group. This exercise focuses on the lower chest and back muscles, making it an ideal choice for strengthening the chest, shoulders, and upper back muscles. To perform this exercise, start by lying flat on a decline bench with a barbell in your hands using a reverse grip. Lower the barbell towards your chest, pause and then press the barbell up to its starting position. This exercise is great for targeting the lower chest muscles and engaging the back muscles to help stabilize the body.
Elevate Your Shoulder Workout with Band Front Raises
Elevate your shoulder workout with band front raises. This exercise will target your anterior deltoid muscles and will help increase shoulder mobility. The resistance band adds a challenge to your workout routine and provide an alternative to traditional dumbbell raises. By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you can increase your strength and build the muscle necessary for a well-rounded shoulder workout. Focus on proper form to prevent any injuries and make the most out of your workout.
References: Wikipedia | ExRx.net | PubMed.gov | Comprehensive List of Shoulders Resistance Band Exercises