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Resistance Band Alternating Lateral Raise

Beginner
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A resistance band isolation exercise targeting the lateral deltoids to build shoulder width and strength; performed alternately for enhanced core stability and controlled tension.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

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

Medial Delts

Traps

7/10

Upper Traps

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand on the middle of a resistance band with feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the ends or handles with arms at your sides and a slight elbow bend.

  1. Engage your core and keep posture upright.
  2. Raise one arm out to the side, leading with the elbow until shoulder height.
  3. Pause briefly at the top.
  4. Lower the arm slowly back to start.
  5. Alternate to the opposite arm.
  6. Repeat for reps, maintaining control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with elbows
  • Keep shoulders down
  • Slight elbow bend
  • Control the descent
  • Core tight

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the arm; exhale as you raise it. Brace your core throughout.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Raise arms to shoulder level or slightly below, with elbows slightly bent; avoid going above ear height.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain or impingement
  • Select band resistance for proper form
  • Stop if joint discomfort occurs
  • Maintain neutral spine

Spotting

Not required; use lighter band if assistance needed for form check.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum to swing arms
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Lifting too high
  • Arching back
  • Gripping too tightly

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent shoulder injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder abduction range

Build Up First

  • Basic standing posture
  • Understanding of controlled arm movement

Also known as

Banded Alternating Side Raise, Alternating Band Lateral Raise, Resistance Band Side Raise

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