Correct Form For Side Lateral Raises ✅

3 Jan 2025 · 1 min

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1:11

In this instructional video, fitness trainer Eric Roberts addresses the frustration of feeling unsure about side lateral raise form even when it seems correct. He offers three concrete technique adjustments to improve the exercise and reduce neck strain: (1) instead of lifting the dumbbells directly outward, imagine pushing them toward the front corners of the room, ending the movement slightly in front of the body; (2) lead the motion with the elbow, ensuring the elbow finishes a bit higher than the hand rather than the hand leading the elbow; and (3) keep the shoulders depressed, actively pushing the weight away from the torso to avoid shrugging and neck discomfort. These cues aim to refine shoulder activation, improve joint alignment, and prevent common form errors.

Chapters

If you are doing this exercise, and no matter what, even if you have perfect form, you still never feel like you're doing it right. Well, try these three things out; they just might help. Number one, instead of raising the dumbbells directly out to the side, I want you to think about pushing the dumbbells out to the corner of the walls in front of you. So instead of finishing the movement like this, you're going to move your hands. Slightly in front of you and finish the movement like this. Number 2, do not lead with your hands first. You don't want your hand above your elbow. Instead, think about leading with your elbow and having your elbow slightly above your hand at the end of the movement. And number 3, don't think about shrugging your shoulders up. You're usually just going to hurt your neck. Instead, think about keeping your shoulders down and again, just pushing the weight away from your body. Because when you think about bringing the weight up, you're going to shrug your shoulders. So just think, push the weight away.