Shoulders exercise

Side Lateral Raise

ShouldersDumbbellBeginner

The side lateral raise 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 side lateral raise

  1. Pick a couple of dumbbells and stand with a straight torso and the dumbbells by your side at arms length with the palms of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.

  2. While maintaining the torso in a stationary position (no swinging), lift the dumbbells to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and the hands slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arms are parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.

  3. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.

  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Details

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

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

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

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