ExercisesLateral raise

Lateral raise

With light dumbbells at your sides, raise your arms out to shoulder height with a slight elbow bend. Lower slowly; light weight done well beats heavy and sloppy.

StrengthDumbbellsDifficulty 1 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the lateral raise, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

With light dumbbells at your sides, raise your arms out to shoulder height with a slight elbow bend. Lower slowly; light weight done well beats heavy and sloppy.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • shouldersprimary

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

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JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2