Incline Shoulder Raise (Dumbbell)

A shoulder isolation exercise performed while lying back on an inclined bench to target the lateral deltoids while reducing momentum.

Instructions

1. Sit on an inclined bench set to approximately 45 degrees with your back firmly against the backrest and feet flat on the floor.
2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms hanging straight down at your sides with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
3. Keep a slight bend in your elbows and your core engaged throughout the movement.
4. Raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach approximately shoulder height, maintaining the slight elbow bend.
5. Your upper arms should be roughly perpendicular to your torso at the top position.
6. Hold the top position briefly while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
7. Lower the dumbbells back down in a controlled manner to the starting position.
8. Repeat for the target number of repetitions.

Tips

• The inclined position emphasizes the lateral deltoids and reduces the ability to use momentum.
• Keep your movements slow and controlled to maximize muscle engagement.
• Maintain a consistent slight bend in your elbows throughout to reduce stress on the joints.
• Do not raise the dumbbells higher than shoulder height.
• Breathe in as you lower the weights and exhale as you raise them.