Exercise guide
EZ Bar Standing Front Raise
- Intermediate
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
The EZ Bar Standing Front Raise isolates the anterior deltoids, using the angled grip of the EZ bar to reduce wrist strain while building shoulder definition and strength.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees for stability.
- Grasp the EZ bar on the inner angled grips using an overhand (pronated) grip.
- Hold the bar at arm's length against your thighs, pulling your shoulders back and down.
How to do it
- Exhale and lift the bar forward and upward in a controlled arc until it reaches shoulder height.
- Keep a slight, fixed bend in your elbows throughout the entire movement.
- Inhale and slowly lower the bar back to the starting position, resisting the weight on the way down.
- Maintain a controlled 2-1-2-0 tempo, emphasizing the lowering phase.
Form checklist
- Keep your torso completely still; do not use momentum or rock your body.
- Ensure your core is tight and your glutes are squeezed to stabilize your spine.
- Stop the bar at shoulder height to avoid shifting tension to the upper traps.
- Maintain a neutral neck position, looking straight ahead.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'pushing' the bar away from your body as you lift to maximize anterior deltoid engagement.
- Stop the bar an inch before it touches your thighs at the bottom to keep constant tension on the muscle.
Make it harder
- Add a two-second pause at the top of the movement to increase time under tension.
- Perform the exercise with your back against a wall to eliminate any possible cheating or momentum.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the ez bar standing front raise work?
- The ez bar standing front raise primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the ez bar standing front raise?
- The ez bar standing front raise uses ez barbell.
- Is the ez bar standing front raise good for beginners?
- The ez bar standing front raise is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.