Why you SHOULD train your Anterior Delts!

I previously discussed this topic in an earlier article about the "flat" bench press, but I felt it deserved its own dedicated piece.

Why?

Because I am still seeing these unqualified, inexperienced, mobile wagging, broccoli head "Fitness Influencers" telling everyone this.....

"There is absolutely no reason to train your "Front" Delts on their own if you are doing enough Pressing. Because when you press you are working the "Front" Delt anyway so DON'T bother with Front Raises..."

I've previously discussed why this is a load of shit but here's a little reminder as to why dedicating time on Front Raises is SO important!

The Anterior Deltoid is the smallest and least strong of the three shoulder heads, yet it plays a crucial role as a Fixator in all pressing exercises. It helps to stabilise the shoulder, allowing the Primary mover in the case of the Pectorals (in Bench Pressing), or the Lateral and Posterior Heads of the Shoulders (in Shoulder Pressing) to work through the three Ranges of Motion.

ALL pressing movements place considerable stress and pressure on this smaller Deltoid so why wouldn't you train them individually like any other muscle?

I'm going to go out on a limb here, against ALL the advice of our online wannabee mop heads and say that if you are looking to improve your presses then Front Raises ARE ESSENTIAL!

I'm even going to go ONE step further and say that Pressing ALONE is NOT ENOUGH to strengthen such an important muscle!

IF your Bench Press weakness lies in your shoulders, focus on strengthening the Anterior Deltoids within your shoulder routine. Ignore influencers, their groupies and resist the urge to join them in ignoring Front Raises....