Arms, chest & shoulders

Lateral raise

Raising light dumbbells out to the sides — shapes and strengthens the shoulders.

Beginner Low impact Dumbbells
Movement diagram for Lateral raise: standing (front) to arms out to the sides (front)
Original diagram — start and finish positions.

How to do it

  1. Stand tall holding a light dumbbell in each hand by your sides, palms facing in.
  2. With a slight bend in the elbows, raise your arms out to the sides.
  3. Stop at shoulder height.
  4. Lower slowly.

Form tips

  • Lead with your elbows.
  • Lighter than you think — this muscle is small.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the weights up.
  • Shrugging.

Easier and harder

Make it easier

Use lighter weights or raise one arm at a time.

Make it harder

Slow the lowering, or hold at the top for a second.

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