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Exercise guide

Dumbbell Raise

How to do the Dumbbell Raise with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundDumbbellBeginnerPull
Primary muscles

Shoulders

Secondary

Biceps

Equipment

Dumbbell

Step by step

How to do the Dumbbell Raise

  1. 1

    Grab a dumbbell in each arm and stand up straight with your arms extended by your sides with a slight bend at the elbows and your back straight. This will be your starting position. Tip: The dumbbell should be next to your thighs with the palm of your hands facing back.

  2. 2

    Use your side shoulders to lift the dumbbells as you exhale. The dumbbells should be to the side of the body as you move them up. Continue to lift it until the dumbbells are nearly in line with your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the dumbbell, your elbow should always be higher than your forearm. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.

  3. 3

    Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.

  4. 4

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Dumbbell Raise set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap — so your shoulders volume is visible at a glance — and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More shoulders exercises

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