Lateral Raises
Lateral Raises
1️⃣ Targeted Muscles
- Primary: Lateral deltoids (side shoulders)
- Secondary: Trapezius, anterior delts, forearms (for stabilization)
2️⃣ Why Are Lateral Raises So Effective?
- Isolates the side delts, creating broader and more defined shoulders
- Enhances upper body aesthetics and proportions
- Supports shoulder stability and reduces injury risk
- Strengthens muscles used in overhead movements (e.g., presses, lifting objects)
3️⃣ Proper Execution
🔹 Dumbbell Lateral Raises (Classic Shoulder Builder)
1. Starting Position:
- Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand
- Keep a slight bend in your elbows, palms facing inward
- Engage your core and keep your torso upright
2. Lifting the Weights:
- Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height
- Pause briefly at the top and squeeze your delts
3. Lowering the Weights:
- Slowly bring the dumbbells back down with control
- Keep tension in your shoulders—no dropping!
🔥 Pro Tip: Use light weights with perfect form—momentum kills muscle activation!
4️⃣ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Swinging the weights – Lift with control instead of using momentum.
❌ Lifting too high – Shoulder height is optimal—going higher increases injury risk.
❌ Shrugging the shoulders – Focus on using your delts, not your traps.
5️⃣ Pros & Cons
✅ One of the best exercises for wider shoulders
✅ Easy to perform with dumbbells or cables
✅ Helps shoulder stability and injury prevention
❌ Requires strict form for full effectiveness
❌ Heavier weights can compensate with traps, reducing delt activation
Want to master the perfect lateral raise?
📸 Pictures/Videos → coming soon