How to do dumbbell lateral raises:
- Stand with feet hip-width apart, with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
- Tighten your core to stabilize your torso and prevent any swaying.
- Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, lift your arms out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Lead with your elbows and keep your wrists aligned with your forearms.
- Hold briefly at shoulder height to feel the tension in your shoulders.
- Slowly lower the weights back to the starting position at your sides, maintaining control.
- Repeat.
Muscle groups worked
Benefits
Lateral raises are excellent for creating shoulder definition, improving shoulder strength, and enhancing upper body symmetry.
Improve your form and technique
- Lift with your elbows, keeping them slightly bent, to focus on the deltoids.
- Stop at the shoulder level for optimal tension on the muscles.
- Control the movement – avoid swinging… use a slow, controlled lift and lower.
- Keep core engaged throughout: stabilize your torso to help prevent leaning or swaying.