Shoulders exercise

Dumbbell Lateral Raise

How to do the Dumbbell Lateral Raise with correct form — the muscles worked, equipment, and step-by-step technique from the Fitonist exercise library.

Stand tall, a dumbbell in each hand. Arms are at your sides, palms facing in. Position your feet roughly hip-distance apart. Lift the dumbbells up and out to each side, keeping your arms almost completely straight, stopping when your elbows reach shoulder-height and your body is…
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Illustration showing the Dumbbell Lateral Raise
Targets

Muscles worked

Shoulders muscle Shoulders Primary Trapezius muscle Trapezius Secondary
Gear

Equipment

Dumbbells Dumbbells
Technique

How to do the Dumbbell Lateral Raise

  1. 1 Stand tall, a dumbbell in each hand. Arms are at your sides, palms facing in. Position your feet roughly hip-distance apart. Lift the dumbbells up and out to each side, keeping your arms almost completely straight, stopping when your elbows reach shoulder-height and your body is forming a "T" shape. Breathe in as you lift.
  2. 2 Pause and hold for a second at the top of the movement.
  3. 3 Lower the weights slowly, bringing your arms back to your sides. Breathe out as you lower the dumbbells.