Side Lateral Raise

An exercise that isolates the side delts to build shoulder width.

Beginner · Recommended Sets: 3 sets x 12-15 reps · Side Delts

Side Lateral Raise — Points to Check Today

  • Don't use momentum — Swinging the weight up makes your traps work instead of your side delts. (Swinging the torso and tossing the dumbbells up)
  • Only to shoulder height — Raising higher shifts the tension to your traps. (Raising to ear height so the traps shrug up)
  • Pinkies slightly up — Tilting slightly as if pouring water targets the side delts precisely. (Raising with the thumbs up so the tension leaks to the front delts)

Side Lateral Raise — How to Do It / If You're New

  1. Hold a light dumbbell in each hand, stand with feet shoulder-width and knees slightly bent. Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
  2. Fix your elbows at a slightly bent angle and raise both arms out to the sides with the feeling of 'pushing a wall with your elbows.'
  3. Raise to shoulder height (arms parallel to the floor) and pause briefly. Let your pinkies point slightly upward.
  4. Inhale as you lower slowly (2-3 seconds) to the starting position. Begin the next rep without fully releasing the tension.