Raise (Dumbbell)

A shoulder isolation exercise where dumbbells are raised to the sides to shoulder height to target the lateral deltoids.
Instructions
- Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
- Position the dumbbells at your sides with arms extended and a slight bend at the elbows.
- Maintain palms facing back and a neutral grip.
- Use your shoulders to lift the dumbbells as you exhale.
- Raise the dumbbells to the sides until they are nearly in line with your chin.
- Your elbows should drive the motion and remain higher than your forearms.
- Keep your torso stationary and pause briefly at the top.
- Lower the dumbbells in a controlled manner back to the starting position.
Tips
- Keep your core engaged for stability throughout the movement
- Lead with your elbows rather than your hands
- Maintain a slight bend in your elbows to reduce shoulder joint stress
- Control the weight; avoid jerking or using momentum
- This exercise is excellent for developing lateral deltoid size and strength
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps | 4 kg | 2 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps | 4 kg | 2 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps | 3 kg | 2 kg |
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