Lateral Raise

How to Do Lateral Raise: Step by Step

1. Stand with dumbbells at sides, slight elbow bend
2. Raise arms out to sides until parallel with floor
3. Lead with elbows, not hands
4. Lower with control — 2-3 second eccentric

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using momentum / swinging the weight up
• Raising dumbbells too high (above shoulder level)
• Shrugging traps up during the lift

Lateral Raise Tips

• Use lighter weight than you think — this is an isolation movement, not a power lift
• Stop at shoulder height; going higher shifts work to the traps
• A slight forward lean helps target the lateral deltoid more
• Try partial reps at the end of a set for extra burn

Muscles Worked