Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front 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
- Stance
Stand hip-width apart with dumbbells before your thighs.
- Hand direction
Face palms backward or comfortably neutral and close your grip.
- Arm angle
Slightly bend elbows and align wrists straight.
- Torso
Brace the abdomen with ribs down; do not use knee momentum.
- Raise forward
Exhale while lifting the arms forward to shoulder height.
- Top pause
Hold both dumbbells level briefly without shrugging toward your ears.
- Return
Lower along the same arc under control and begin again without striking your thighs.
Key technique points
- Do not generate the raise from your lower back.
- Stop at shoulder height.
- Maintain elbow angle.
- Keep hands aligned with forearms.
- Move both arms at the same speed.
- Do not hit your thighs with the dumbbells.
Common mistakes
Swinging from the hips
Do not thrust the hips forward to throw the loads; create a controlled arc with the front shoulders.
Leaning backward
Do not flare ribs to reach the top; keep the pelvis still and use actual shoulder range.
Bending elbows
Do not shorten the lever by curling elbows as load increases; choose a controllable weight.
Shrugging
Do not raise shoulders toward ears for extra hand height; stop at shoulder level.
Unequal heights
Do not finish one dumbbell higher; move both upper arms in the same forward plane.
Rapid descent
Do not strike and rebound from the thighs; decelerate with your muscles throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Dumbbell Front Raise: why is “Swinging from the hips” a mistake?
Do not thrust the hips forward to throw the loads; create a controlled arc with the front shoulders.
Dumbbell Front Raise: why is “Leaning backward” a mistake?
Do not flare ribs to reach the top; keep the pelvis still and use actual shoulder range.
Dumbbell Front Raise: why is “Bending elbows” a mistake?
Do not shorten the lever by curling elbows as load increases; choose a controllable weight.
Dumbbell Front Raise: why is “Shrugging” a mistake?
Do not raise shoulders toward ears for extra hand height; stop at shoulder level.
Dumbbell Front Raise: why is “Unequal heights” a mistake?
Do not finish one dumbbell higher; move both upper arms in the same forward plane.
Dumbbell Front Raise: why is “Rapid descent” a mistake?
Do not strike and rebound from the thighs; decelerate with your muscles throughout.
What should I focus on when doing Dumbbell Front Raise?
Do not generate the raise from your lower back. Stop at shoulder height. Maintain elbow angle. Keep hands aligned with forearms. Move both arms at the same speed. Do not hit your thighs with the dumbbells.
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.