TETSUBarbell Incline Shoulder Raise vs Smith Incline Shoulder Raises
The Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise and the Smith Incline Shoulder Raises both train the serratus anterior as their primary muscle. The Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise uses a barbell while the Smith Incline Shoulder Raises use a smith machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise | Smith Incline Shoulder Raises | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | serratus anterior | serratus anterior |
| Body part | chest | chest |
| Supporting muscles | deltoids and trapezius | deltoids and trapezius |
| Equipment | barbell | smith machine |
| Steps in our guide | 7 | 7 |
How each one starts
Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise — first steps
- Set up an incline bench at a 45-degree angle.
- Sit on the bench with your back against the pad and feet flat on the ground.
Smith Incline Shoulder Raises — first steps
- Adjust the smith machine to an incline position.
- Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Smith Incline Shoulder Raises fix the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the serratus anterior adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise better than the Smith Incline Shoulder Raises?
Neither is universally better — both train the serratus anterior as the primary mover. The Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Smith Incline Shoulder Raises fix the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise and the Smith Incline Shoulder Raises in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the serratus anterior. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise and the Smith Incline Shoulder Raises work the same muscles?
Yes — the primary muscle is the same (serratus anterior) and both rely on the same supporting muscles: deltoids and trapezius.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.