Shoulders exercise

External Rotation

ShouldersDumbbellBeginner

The external rotation is a shoulders exercise that targets the shoulders with dumbbell. Watch the demo, then follow the step-by-step form guide below.

Looping demonstration — tap play to watch the full movement.

How to do the external rotation

  1. Lie sideways on a flat bench with one arm holding a dumbbell and the other hand on top of the bench folded so that you can rest your head on it.

  2. Bend the elbows of the arm holding the dumbbell so that it creates a 90-degree angle between the upper arm and the forearm. Tip: Keep the arm parallel to your torso.

  3. Now bend the elbow while keeping the upper arm stationary. In this manner, the forearm will be parallel to the floor and perpendicular to your torso (Tip: So the forearm will be directly in front of you). The upper arm will be stationary by your torso and should be parallel to the floor (aligned with your torso at all times). This will be your starting position.

  4. As you breathe out, externally rotate your forearm so that the dumbbell is lifted up in a semicircle motion as you maintain the 90 degree angle bend between the upper arms and the forearm. You will continue this external rotation until the forearm is perpendicular to the floor and the torso pointing towards the ceiling. At this point you will hold the contraction for a second.

  5. As you breathe in, slowly go back to the starting position.

  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and then switch to the other arm.

Details

Primary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment & classification
DumbbellLevel: BeginnerForce: PullMechanic: Isolation

Browse all shoulders exercises, read our dumbbell workout for back and shoulders guide, or return to the exercise library.

Training for weight loss? Pair your workouts with our free meal plans.

Educational information only — not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

Your journey

Your health journey starts here.

Comprehensive telehealth, science-led transformation, and personalised wellness — designed around the medication you're already on.

Start your planSee pricing