Dumbbell Bent-Arm Lateral Raise
The lateral raise from a bent-arm start: the bells begin in front of the waist, elbows at 90°, and open out to straight arms at shoulder height.
How to do it
Setup
Standing, elbows bent to 90° at the sides, bells in front of the waist, palms facing in.
Steps
- Open the arms out to the sides, straightening the elbows as the bells rise.
- Finish with straight arms level with the shoulders, palms down.
- Bend the elbows on the way down and bring the bells back to the waist.
Common mistakes
Snapping the elbows straight at the start: open and straighten the arms together in one smooth arc. Shrugging the bells past the shoulders: stop level with them and keep the neck long. Leaning back as the arms open: brace the trunk and pick lighter bells.
Breathing
Exhale opening the arms, inhale lowering.
