How to do a dumbbell lateral raise

Upper bodyDumbbellsBeginner

Raise the dumbbells out to your sides — the move that builds width across your shoulders.

How to do it

1Soft bend in your elbows, dumbbells at your sides
2Raise them out to shoulder height
3Lower slowly, don't drop

Common mistakes

×Swinging the weights up with momentum
×Shrugging your shoulders up

Muscles worked

Shoulders

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Straight side raise

A lateral raise with straight arms — lifts the dumbbells out to the sides for the tops of your shoulders.

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Dumbbell front raise

Raise the dumbbells straight out in front — targets the front of your shoulders.

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Lateral to front raise

A lateral raise out to the side, then round to the front — hits the whole shoulder in one flowing rep.

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