ShouldersBeginner
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
How to do it
- 1
Stand holding light dumbbells at your sides with a slight bend in the elbows.
- 2
Lean forward very slightly.
- 3
Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- 4
Lower slowly, resisting on the way down.
Common mistakes
- Swinging the body to lift heavier weights.
- Shrugging the traps as the arms rise.
Tips
- Lead with the elbows, not the hands.
- Light weights and higher reps (12–20) work best for side delts.
Alternatives
More shoulders exercises
Workout plans
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- Editorial pick
Adjustable dumbbells
A full weight rack in the space of two dumbbells.
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