Lateral to Front Raise

The lateral to front raise is a combo move that strengthens and sculpts the shoulders. It works the lateral and front deltoids, as well as the upper trapezius muscle.

Stronger deltoids make most arm movements easier, including everyday movements such as lifting, pushing, and pulling. It can also improve athletic performance for sporting activities that involve hitting a ball (e.g. baseball, tennis) and allow you to lift heavier weights when performing chest or back exercises.

Lateral to front raises help increase mobility and stability of the shoulder, and can reduce the risk of suffering a shoulder injury. Strengthening the shoulder and upper back muscles may improve posture in people who slouch or have rounded shoulders.

How to Do a
Lateral to Front Raise

Starting position: Grasp a dumbbell in each hand. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees. Hold the dumbbells so that your palms are facing your body (overhand grip). Stand tall with your shoulder blades pulled back and down, engage your core, and look straight ahead.

• With a slight bend in your elbows, raise your arms up and out to the side until they are at shoulder height. With control, lower your arms back to the starting position.
• Immediately raise your arms forward up to shoulder level with a slight bend in your elbows. With control, lower your arms back to the starting position.
• This is one repetition. Continue alternating front and side raises for the specified number of reps. 

Breath: Exhale as you raise your arms, inhale as you lower them.

Choose lighter dumbbells for this exercise to ensure proper form. Keep your back straight and avoid using momentum.

Variations: To make this exercise easier skip the weights entirely, or break the exercise down into two separate exercises – the lateral raise and the side raise. To make the lateral to front raise harder you can increase the weight or slow down the exercise.