Front Dumbbell Raise
Front Dumbbell Raise is a resistance exercise - shoulder flexion exercise involving Anterior deltoid. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.
Last updated: · DynPerformance
- Primary muscles
- Anterior deltoid
- Secondary muscles
- Clavicular head of pectoralis major, Serratus anterior, Middle deltoid, Rectus abdominis
- Exercise type
- Resistance exercise - shoulder flexion
Exercise technique
- Dumbbells
Hold both weights in front of your thighs with palms facing backward.
- Torso
Stand tall with relaxed knees.
- First arm
Raise one dumbbell forward with a slight elbow bend.
- Upper limit
Approach shoulder height while maintaining shoulder control.
- Transition
Start raising the other arm as the first lowers.
- Symmetry
Use the same range on both sides.
- Return
Lower each dumbbell without striking your thigh.
Key technique points
- Do not raise both arms together.
- Do not rotate your shoulders alternately.
- Do not swing the dumbbell upward.
- Keep a small, fixed elbow bend.
- Do not let the lowering arm fall freely.
- Brace your abdominals to reduce torso sway.
Common mistakes
Raising both arms together
The alternating distribution of load is lost.
Twisting the torso
Rotation assists the single-arm movement.
Swinging the dumbbell
Control decreases at the top.
Elevating the shoulders
A shrug is added to the front raise.
Hitting the thigh
The return is not completed under control.
Unequal heights
The arms use different ranges of motion.
Frequently asked questions
Front Dumbbell Raise: why is “Raising both arms together” a mistake?
The alternating distribution of load is lost.
Front Dumbbell Raise: why is “Twisting the torso” a mistake?
Rotation assists the single-arm movement.
Front Dumbbell Raise: why is “Swinging the dumbbell” a mistake?
Control decreases at the top.
Front Dumbbell Raise: why is “Elevating the shoulders” a mistake?
A shrug is added to the front raise.
Front Dumbbell Raise: why is “Hitting the thigh” a mistake?
The return is not completed under control.
Front Dumbbell Raise: why is “Unequal heights” a mistake?
The arms use different ranges of motion.
What should I focus on when doing Front Dumbbell Raise?
Do not raise both arms together. Do not rotate your shoulders alternately. Do not swing the dumbbell upward. Keep a small, fixed elbow bend. Do not let the lowering arm fall freely. Brace your abdominals to reduce torso sway.
Related exercises
- Arnold Press
- Barbell Push Press
- Alternating Battle Rope Waves
- Bear Crawl
- Dumbbell Thruster
- Exercise Guide
Add this exercise to your program with your coach
If you have a health condition, consult a qualified professional.