Dumbbell lateral raise
Shoulders · Dumbbell
Set up
Two light dumbbells. Lighter than you think: this is a small muscle.
Steps
- Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing in.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, raise your arms out to the sides.
- Stop when your hands reach shoulder height.
- Lower slowly, taking about two seconds.
Keep in mind
- Lead with your elbows, not your hands
- Shoulders down, away from your ears
- Keep your body still; no swinging
Common mistake
Swinging the weights up with your body. Use lighter dumbbells so your shoulders do the lifting.
Safety
If your shoulder pinches near the top, stop a little lower.
Stop and rest if you feel chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath or sharp joint pain. Get medical help if it doesn't settle.