Muscles Worked:

The primary muscles worked during front barbell raises are the shoulders (delts), especially the front head. Secondarily are the traps and forearms.

Equipment Needed:

Barbell, curl bar

Execution:

Grab a barbell with your hands about shoulder width apart and stand with your knees slightly bent. In the starting position hold the barbell in front of you below your waist. Keep a slight bend in your arms and raise the bar straight in front of you until it is a little higher then shoulder height. Control the bar down to the starting position. Repeat this motion until you have completed your desired reps.

Form:

Be sure to control the weight, especially during the negative portion of the exercise. Keep your arms slightly bent throughout the movement.

Range of Motion:

Bring the bar a little higher than shoulder level. There is no need to go higher than that. If you raise the bar too high you will start to shift the load away from the front delts.

Comments:

The front delts get a lot of work while performing heavy chest exercises like flat and incline presses. They are also heavily recruited during shoulder presses. Performing front barbell raises with a curl bar may feel better on your wrists. Also the shorter bar is a little easier to maneuver. I don't believe that front delts need a lot of direct work. If you do use standing front barbell raises, keep the sets to a minimum.