The Best Shoulders Exercises

Top Exercises

Lever One Arm Shoulder Press

Advanced / Leverage Machine / Shoulders / push

A focused shoulder exercise targeting the anterior and medial deltoids. Working one arm at a time improves core stability and ensures equal strength development.

Band Front Lateral Raise

Beginner / Handle Bands / Shoulders / isolation

Targets the anterior deltoids. The band provides smooth resistance that builds shoulder strength and helps define the front of the shoulders.

Plank Arm Lifts

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Shoulders / core

A dynamic plank variation that challenges core stability against anti-rotational forces. It targets the transverse abdominis, glutes, and shoulders.

Kettlebell One Arm Push Press

Intermediate / Kettlebell / Shoulders / push

An explosive overhead movement using a leg drive. It builds power in the deltoids and triceps while improving total-body coordination.

Dumbbell Upright Row

Beginner / Dumbbells / Shoulders / pull

A compound movement for the deltoids and upper traps. Using dumbbells allows for a more natural path of motion and reduces wrist and shoulder strain.

Dumbbell Standing Lateral Raise

Beginner / Dumbbells / Shoulders / isolation

The gold standard for building wide, powerful shoulders. It targets the medial deltoids through a broad lateral arc.

Dumbbell Scott Press

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Shoulders / push

A shoulder press variation developed by Larry Scott. It targets the medial deltoids from an angled position, creating exceptional shoulder roundness.

Dumbbell Lateral Raise

Beginner / Dumbbells / Shoulders / isolation

The primary isolation exercise for the medial deltoids. It is essential for building shoulder width and the "capped" shoulder look.

Cable Upright Row

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Shoulders / pull

A compound exercise for the deltoids and traps. The cable allows for a safer, more fluid movement path compared to a barbell.

Cable One Arm Lateral Raise

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Shoulders / isolation

A unilateral shoulder isolation that allows for better focus and fixes muscle imbalances. The cable provides high-tension work for the medial deltoid.