MWC
ShouldersDumbbellBeginner

Side Laterals to Front Raise

Side Laterals to Front Raise — starting positionSide Laterals to Front Raise — end position
Primary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation · Push

How to do the Side Laterals to Front Raise

  1. 1

    In a standing position, hold a pair of dumbbells at your side. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise the weights directly in front of you to shoulder height, avoiding any swinging or cheating.

  3. 3

    At the top of the exercise move the weights out in front of you, keeping your arms extended.

  4. 4

    Lower the weights with a controlled motion.

  5. 5

    On the next repetition, raise the weights in front of you to shoulder height before moving the weights laterally to your sides.

  6. 6

    Lower the weights to the starting position.

How to program the Side Laterals to Front Raise

Sets and reps

As an isolation movement, the Side Laterals to Front Raise is best trained with moderate loads and higher reps: 2–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest. Chasing heavy weight on isolation work usually degrades form before it builds muscle — prioritize a full range of motion and a controlled negative. Program it after your compound lifts.

Progression

The Side Laterals to Front Raise is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.

Secondary muscles worked

Traps

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Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Side Laterals to Front Raise work?

The Side Laterals to Front Raise primarily targets the Shoulders. It also recruits the Traps as supporting muscles.

What equipment do I need for the Side Laterals to Front Raise?

You need Dumbbell. Difficulty level: Beginner.

How many sets and reps of the Side Laterals to Front Raise should I do?

Do 2–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 60–90 seconds rest, focusing on a full range of motion and controlled tempo rather than maximum load.

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