Dumbbell Front Raise

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Beginner
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An isolation exercise using dumbbells to target the anterior deltoids through shoulder flexion, building front shoulder strength and stability for pushing movements; ideal for hypertrophy and definition.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Chest, Traps

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Anterior Delts

Shoulders

5/10

Medial Delts

Chest

4/10

Upper Chest

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Abs

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs with palms facing your body and a slight bend in your elbows. Engage your core and keep your back straight.

  1. Initiate the lift by raising both dumbbells forward and upward, leading with your shoulders.
  2. Keep arms nearly straight with a soft bend in elbows throughout the movement.
  3. Raise until arms are parallel to the floor at shoulder height.
  4. Pause briefly at the top to squeeze the front deltoids.
  5. Lower the dumbbells slowly and controlled back to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with shoulders, not momentum.
  • Keep slight elbow bend.
  • Maintain neutral spine.
  • Squeeze at top.
  • Control the descent.

Breathing

Exhale as you raise the dumbbells; inhale as you lower them. Brace your core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with arms hanging in front of thighs; raise to arms parallel to floor without going above shoulder height.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights to master form
  • Avoid if experiencing shoulder pain or impingement
  • Keep wrists neutral
  • Do not use excessive weight that compromises control
  • Consult professional for pre-existing shoulder issues

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use lighter weights or safeties if needed for heavier sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging or using body momentum
  • Arching the back
  • Locking elbows fully
  • Raising above shoulders
  • Neglecting eccentric phase

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute shoulder injury
  • Rotator cuff issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion range
  • Stable shoulder mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic standing posture
  • Familiarity with dumbbell handling

Also known as

Front Dumbbell Raise, DB Front Raise, Standing Front Raise

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