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Lateral raise to front raise

Standing with dumbbells, a raise out to the sides alternates with a raise to the front, both to shoulder height: two beginner raises, the side and the front of the shoulder in turn.

Lateral raise family

Lateral raise to front raise

DemandEasy
Equipment requiredA dumbbell
Muscle focusShoulders

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Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.
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Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.

How to move

  1. Stand with a dumbbell at each side.
  2. Raise the arms out to the sides to shoulder height and lower them.
  3. Then raise them in front to shoulder height and lower them; keep alternating.

Form cues

  • Keep the elbows soft and the trunk still.
  • Lower slowly each time.

Practice and cautions

No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.

This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

What it works

Muscles

Main: Shoulders.

Anatomy: Deltoid, Rotator cuff, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis, Teres minor.

Equipment

A dumbbell

Level

Beginner. See the easier and harder options above.

Guides that use it

Similar moves

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Lateral raise to front raise work?

Mainly the shoulders.

What equipment do I need for the Lateral raise to front raise?

A dumbbell.

Is the Lateral raise to front raise good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. When it feels easy, try the Smith machine upright row.

What is an easier alternative to the Lateral raise to front raise?

Try the Band lateral raise. Both are written steps in the same progression.

How do I make the Lateral raise to front raise harder?

Progress to the Smith machine upright row or the Upright barbell row. Follow that guide’s technique and any stated timing.