Lateral Raises
Shoulders • Gym • Beginner
- Muscle Group: Shoulders
- Training Type: Isolation
- Equipment: Dumbbells
- Difficulty: Beginner
Exercise Overview
Lateral raises are an isolation exercise that targets the lateral deltoids, helping build shoulder width and definition. By lifting the arms out to the sides with controlled motion, this exercise improves shoulder shape while minimizing involvement from other muscle groups.
How To Do It
1. Setup
Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand with arms resting at your sides. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and core engaged.
2. Starting Position
Maintain a slight bend in the elbows and keep the dumbbells close to your body. Shoulders should be relaxed and down.
3. Execution
Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height. Lead with your elbows and keep the movement slow and controlled.
4. Return
Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position under control, maintaining tension in the shoulders.