Lateral Raise (Dumbbell): how to do it and muscles worked

The lateral raise (dumbbell) mainly works your side delts. You need dumbbells.

Muscles worked

How to do the lateral raise (dumbbell)

  1. 1

    Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing in. Keep a slight bend in your elbows and brace your core.

  2. 2

    Raise your arms out to the sides until they reach shoulder height, leading with your elbows. Pause briefly at the top with your thumbs level or slightly down.

  3. 3

    Lower slowly over 2 to 3 seconds without letting the weights drop. Breathe out as you lift and in as you lower.

Form tip: Do not swing your body or shrug the weights up; use lighter dumbbells so your side delts, not your traps, do the work.

Common questions

Which muscles does the lateral raise (dumbbell) work?
The lateral raise (dumbbell) mainly works your side delts.
What equipment do I need for the lateral raise (dumbbell)?
You need dumbbells.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the lateral raise (dumbbell) in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More side delts exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Lateral Raise (Dumbbell): how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte