TETSUBarbell Skier vs Weighted Front Raise
The Barbell Skier and the Weighted Front Raise both train the delts as their primary muscle. The Barbell Skier uses a barbell while the Weighted Front Raise adds external weight to a bodyweight pattern. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Skier | Weighted Front Raise | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | delts | delts |
| Body part | shoulders | shoulders |
| Supporting muscles | triceps and core | biceps and forearms |
| Equipment | barbell | added weight |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 4 |
How each one starts
Barbell Skier — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell in front of your thighs with an overhand grip.
- Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and chest up.
Weighted Front Raise — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing your thighs.
- Keeping your arms straight, exhale and lift the dumbbells in front of you until they are at shoulder level.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Skier lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Weighted Front Raise adds external load to a bodyweight pattern for direct overload. 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 delts adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Barbell Skier better than the Weighted Front Raise?
Neither is universally better — both train the delts as the primary mover. The Barbell Skier lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Weighted Front Raise adds external load to a bodyweight pattern for direct overload. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Skier and the Weighted Front Raise in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the delts. 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 Skier and the Weighted Front Raise work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the delts. Supporting muscles differ slightly — triceps and core for the Barbell Skier versus biceps and forearms for the Weighted Front Raise.
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.