Dumbbell Front Raise
The front raise isolates the front deltoids, rounding out shoulder training alongside pressing and lateral work.
Equipment
Dumbbells
Difficulty
beginner
Sets & reps
3 sets · 12-15 reps
Muscles worked
Front delts
An isolation movement that raises the arms in front of the body, targeting the front deltoids.
How to do it
- Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs.
- Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, raise one or both arms forward.
- Lift until your arms are roughly parallel with the floor.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower under control.
- Avoid swinging your torso or using your legs to generate momentum.
Coaching tips
- Alternating arms can help you keep stricter form than raising both at once.
- Since most pressing exercises already train the front delts heavily, keep the volume here moderate.
- Keep your core braced to prevent your lower back from arching.
Common mistakes
- Using momentum from the hips and lower back to swing the weight up.
- Going too heavy, which shortens the range of motion.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need front raises if I already bench and shoulder press?
Not always — pressing movements already train the front delts significantly. Front raises are optional extra volume, not essential for most lifters.
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