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Dumbbell Underhand-Grip Front Raise

Beginner
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A dumbbell isolation exercise using an underhand grip that targets the anterior deltoids and biceps to build shoulder strength and size; used for hypertrophy and posture improvement with controlled shoulder flexion.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Chest, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

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

Biceps

6/10

Long Head, Short Head

Chest

4/10

Upper Chest

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells at sides with underhand grip, palms facing forward, slight elbow bend, core engaged, back straight.

  1. Exhale and raise dumbbells forward to shoulder height, leading with shoulders.
  2. Keep arms nearly straight with slight elbow bend throughout.
  3. Pause briefly at top, squeezing anterior deltoids.
  4. Inhale and lower dumbbells slowly back to starting position.
  5. Repeat for desired reps, maintaining control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with elbows
  • Keep core tight
  • Avoid swinging
  • Squeeze at top

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase, exhale as you raise the weights, and brace your core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Raise arms until parallel to the floor, then lower to arms extended at thighs without locking elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights to master form
  • Stop if shoulder pain occurs
  • Limit range to avoid trapezius dominance
  • Consult professional with shoulder history

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use lighter weights if assistance is needed for form check.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum to lift
  • Raising arms above shoulder height
  • Bending wrists excessively
  • Arching back for leverage

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent shoulder injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion range

Build Up First

  • Basic standing posture control

Also known as

Underhand Dumbbell Front Raise, Supinated Front Raise, Dumbbell Supinated Shoulder Raise

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