Shoulders
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Side Lateral Raise
Learn how to do the Side Lateral Raise exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Dumbbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Beginner
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Shoulders
Secondary support can come from other nearby stabilizers depending on how you perform the movement.
Strength
Movement pattern: raise. This is more of an isolation-focused exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Side Lateral Raise
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- Pick a couple of dumbbells and stand with a straight torso and the dumbbells by your side at arms length with the palms of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.
- While maintaining the torso in a stationary position (no swinging), lift the dumbbells to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and the hands slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arms are parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.
- Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the shoulders region.
- Makes it easier to focus on one area when you want extra practice or volume.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Cutting the range of motion short and rushing through the reps.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutPush Day Workout
A classic push day for chest, shoulders, and triceps with a balance of compound and accessory work.
View workoutShoulder Workout
A shoulder session built around pressing and higher-rep delt work.
View workoutStrength and Hypertrophy Workout
A mixed approach that pairs lower-rep compound work with higher-rep accessories in the same week.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Alternating Deltoid Raise
Alternating Deltoid Raise is a beginner strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseBent Over Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise With Head On Bench
Bent Over Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise With Head On Bench is a beginner strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell Incline Shoulder Raise
Dumbbell Incline Shoulder Raise is a beginner strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell Raise
Dumbbell Raise is a beginner strength that mainly trains your shoulders using dumbbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Side Lateral Raise.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Side Lateral Raise work?
Side Lateral Raise mainly works the shoulders. It can also involve supporting muscles around the same region depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Side Lateral Raise beginner-friendly?
Yes. This exercise is listed as beginner-friendly, which usually means the setup and learning curve are more manageable.
What equipment do I need for Side Lateral Raise?
You will usually need Dumbbell for this variation.
How should I progress Side Lateral Raise?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
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