Seated dumbbell lateral raises

When practicing seated lateral raises with dumbbells, use a flat bench. Situate yourself at the end or the outer edge of the bench. Your upper body can either remain upright or slightly forward-leaning. The lower back assumes a slight lordosis position, relieving the spine. Keep your gaze straight ahead, and let your arms hang down at your sides. Ensure that your elbows are slightly bent to protect the joints. Alternatively, you can adopt a slightly forward-leaning posture. However, it is crucial to emphasize only a slight forward-leaning movement. If you lean further forward, it becomes the inclined variation of lateral raises, requiring special considerations.

Movement execution

Regardless of whether you opt for the upright or slightly forward-leaning version of seated lateral raises with dumbbells, the execution remains the same. Lift both arms laterally without momentum. Continue this movement until the dumbbells are at shoulder height. Exhale consciously during this phase, ensuring that the power comes exclusively from your arms and shoulders. Then, return to the starting position and inhale.

Stressed muscles and common mistakes

Additional information regarding the involved muscle groups and common mistakes in performing sit-ups with dumbbells can be found on the Dumbbell Sit-ups page.

Alternative variants to dumbbell lateral raises while sitting

To add variety to your training, you can also incorporate similar exercises or other variations of sit-ups with dumbbells.