Exercise Library / Shoulders

Lateral Raise

How to do the Lateral Raise with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Shoulders
Primary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Type
Isolation
Level
Beginner

Video: “How to Perform Dumbbell Lateral Raise | Form Tutorial” by Physique Development on YouTube.

How to do the Lateral Raise

  1. Pick a couple of dumbbells and stand with a straight torso and the dumbbells by your side at arms length with the palms of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.
  2. While maintaining the torso in a stationary position (no swinging), lift the dumbbells to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and the hands slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arms are parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.
  3. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Lateral Raise mainly works your shoulders.

Lateral Raise start and finish positions

Lateral Raise: Starting position
Starting position
Lateral Raise: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Lateral Raise progress

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