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<< Muscle and Exercise Directory << Shoulders (Deltoids) & Trapezius Muscles & Exercises


Front (Anterior) Deltoid Head


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The anterior deltoid head is one of three heads of the deltoid structure, and is located at the front of the shoulder. The deltoid was more commonly known as deltoideus, because of the shape of the Greek letter Delta, a triangle.

The front deltoid head is effectively targeted by pressing movements. Bench pressing will recruit the front deltoid to aid the lift during transverse flexion, but this is more commonly seen as a secondary target of the move by many bodybuilders who use the Bench press to mainly target the chest.
Overhead pressing movements will provide great stimulation, which are more commonly used to primarily and effectively target the deltoids. These shoulder pressing exercises can be viewed above in the exercise section.

Because of the common involvement of the anterior deltoid during pressing exercises some people choose that isolation is not greatly necessary for stimulation. The front deltoid head will get sufficient recruitment and stimulus from the compound work on ‘Push’ day of a classic Push, Pull, Leg split, for example.

For the more advanced bodybuilder, or anyone who wishes to include direct isolation work, then any front raise variant will likely provide successful. These can be viewed in the exercise selection above, but there are many more, experiment with different attachments, hand positions and grips.

For hypertrophy of the deltoids 6-12 reps will likely yield the best results, providing optimal time under tension, and therefore adequate stimulation for sarcoplasmic hypertrophy.
If however strength and power is the primary goal then the front deltoid will likely be best stimulated via pressing movements, where 1-5 reps can be incorporated successfully. Lower reps don’t always suit isolation movements, as form may suffer, and increase chances of injury

Heads To The Muscle

Other Names For The Muscle

  • Anterior Deltoid Head
  • Front Deltoid Head
  • Front of the shoulder
  • Deltoid
  • Deltoideus

Gym Slang/terms

  • Front Delts
  • Delts
  • Caps

Exercises