Dumbbell Lateral to Front Raise

A compound shoulder exercise that targets both the medial and anterior deltoids in a single continuous movement.

Exercise Details

Level: Intermediate
Body Area: upper
Type: isolation

Required Equipment

Dumbbells

Target Muscle Groups

Primary

Shoulders

Secondary

Trapezius

Setup

Stand tall holding dumbbells at your sides. Retract your shoulders and engage your core.

Instructions

1. Perform a lateral raise to shoulder height.
2. Move the dumbbells in front of your chest while maintaining height.
3. Lower them to the start.
4. Reverse the order on the next rep.
5. Keep elbows slightly bent.

Common Mistakes

1. Using momentum.
2. Shrugging.
3. Arching the back to lift.

Alternative Exercises

Upright Row

Beginner / EZ Bar / Shoulders / pull

A compound shoulder exercise targeting the deltoids and upper trapezius. It helps build shoulder width and improves the vertical pulling strength.

Upright Shoulder External Rotation

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Shoulders / isolation

A prehab exercise targeting the rotator cuff. It improves shoulder stability and protects against injuries during heavy pressing movements.

Smith Upright Row

Beginner / Smith Machine / Shoulders / pull

A compound movement for the deltoids and upper traps. The Smith machine ensures a consistent vertical path close to the body for better shoulder isolation.

Smith Shrug

Beginner / Smith Machine / Trapezius / hinge

An isolation movement for the upper trapezius. The Smith machine’s vertical track allows for heavy loading with a strict, stable upward pull.

Smith Back Shrug

Beginner / Smith Machine / Trapezius / hinge

An isolation movement performed on the Smith machine to target the upper trapezius muscles. The fixed path allows for heavy loading with maximum stability and safety.