How to Do a Lateral Raise
The Lateral Raise is a great exercise for broadening the shoulders, and this exercise can be performed standing or sitting. Men use it to look more masculine, but women use it to give their shoulders shape and tone. It is easy to perform if you follow these steps.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Select some 1 to 3 pound hand weights or dumbbells. Start slow and with light weights. Use small soup cans if you don't have weights.
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2
Inhale at the start of the exercise. Stand straight with your legs slightly bent and feet a little more than shoulder width apart. Hold your weights at your side, palms facing inward.
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3
Lift the weights slowly from your side, keeping your back and arms straight. Stop and pause once you reach shoulder height.
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4
Lower the weights slowly and under control back to your sides. Do not touch your sides in between raises.
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5
Work up to 15 repetitions over days or weeks. Once you reach 15 repetitions, work up to another set of 15 repetitions later in your workout or after you have rested. Exhale at the end of the exercise.
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1
Tips & Warnings
After you can do 2 sets of 15 repetitions in a workout, you can add a little more weight.
Always maintain proper posture for best results.
Lateral Raises can also be performed while bending over at the hips with knees slightly bent.
Don't raise the dumbbells higher than your shoulders.
Don't use more weight than you can handle.
Make sure you are initiating the movement from your shoulders, not your hands.
