Shoulders · Isolation Exercise
Dumbbell Lateral Raise
The Dumbbell Lateral Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily trains the Shoulders. Here is how to perform it with good form, the muscles it works, and how to program it.
Isolation
Dumbbell
Beginner
Muscles worked
Shoulders — primary
How to perform the Dumbbell Lateral Raise
1
Set up
Slight forward lean, soft elbows held at fixed angle.
2
Execute
Raise to shoulder height — lead with the elbows, not hands.
3
Form check
Lower with full control, no momentum.
How to program it
2–3 sets × 10–15 reps · 0–1 reps in reserve · 60–90 s rest
Progress by adding a rep or a little load each week, keeping the reps in reserve shown above.
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