Dumbbell Alternate Lateral Raise

DeltoidsDumbbellIntermediate

The Dumbbell Alternate Lateral Raise targets the shoulders, specifically the deltoids. This exercise helps improve shoulder strength and stability.

  1. Stand with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
  2. Raise one dumbbell out to the side until your arm is parallel to the ground.
  3. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position and repeat with the other arm.
  4. Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Dumbbell Alternate Lateral Raise

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Alternate Lateral Raise using your dumbbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your deltoids.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your deltoids rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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