How To Do & Muscles Worked

dumbbell lateral raises

A lateral raise is great for strengthening the shoulders specifically the deltoids. It’s very easy to compensate with this and use the neck and traps too much, so be sure to focus on form and keep this exercise slow.

DIFFICULTY
Easy
Moderate
Challenging

Which Muscles Are Worked?

Diagram of primary and secondary muscles worked from Dumbbell lateral raises

Primary Muscles

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Exercise Type

How to do dumbbell lateral raises Properly

Step by Step Guide

Begin standing while holding a dumbbell in each hand at your side. Have the shoulders down and back with a tall posture.

Raise one arm up and out to the side to shoulder height with the palm facing down.

Lower that arm down.

Repeat on the other arm.

Continue alternating left and right arms.

Repeat for the desired repetitions.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is letting the shoulders shrug up which will use the traps and neck too much. Instead, keep the shoulder blades down and back so the action is isolated to the deltoid muscles.