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Exercise Library / Front Raise

Front Raise

The front raise lifts your arms straight in front of you to strengthen the front of the shoulders.

Strength Training

What this exercise does

The front raise lifts your arms straight in front of you to strengthen the front of the shoulders. It mimics reaching for something on a shelf at shoulder height.

At a glance

Body part
Shoulders
Muscles worked
Shoulders (front delts)
Experience
Intermediate

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, resting against your thighs.
  2. Keep your arms nearly straight and your palms facing your body.
  3. Lift your arms forward until they reach shoulder height.
  4. Pause, then lower slowly.
  5. Do 8 to 12 reps.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the weights up with your body.
  • Lifting above shoulder height.
  • Arching your back.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

Use the lightest weights or do one arm at a time while seated.

Make it harder

Slow the lowering, or use a slightly heavier weight.

Keep it safe

Keep the weights light. If you feel a pinch at the front of the shoulder, shorten the lift.

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