How to Do Dumbbell Front Raise: Its Benefits, Variations & More

Do you aspire to create a definition for your shoulders? Start with a dumbbell front raise, a fundamental weight training exercise that aims to build more strength in the system. This upper body workout can also be effectively performed as a part of a weight-loss exercise regimen, but you should take care to do it in a proper form to prevent injury.

This exercise requires only a pair of dumbbells and, therefore, is an ideal workout at home option. It is popularly known as a front shoulder raise or a front raise exercise which targets the upper chest and shoulder muscles. It is an excellent choice for beginners and if you are aiming to start with your fitness plans today, keep reading to know more about a DB front raise.

You can create the wide shoulder or V-shaped torso by following the below-mentioned routines a few times a week. Give ample time for recovery in between your workouts to see better results.

How to Do a Dumbbell Front Raise?

Start the front raise dumbbell exercise by standing with the feet apart as your shoulders. Then take the dumbbells with your hands and place them in front of your thighs. Take care to have your palms facing your thighs and your feet placed firmly on the ground. Maintain the back straight with the abdominal muscles engaged throughout the exercise. It is highly suggested that women perform the dumbbell shoulder front raise with 5 pounds. But it is okay if you find it challenging to start with this weight. If men plan to begin their performance session, opt for 10-pound dumbbells. A front raise workout isolates and activates the shoulder muscles, and to be more specific, it works on the anterior deltoid muscles. Therefore, it is also known as the front delt raise.

The first step of the front raise workout will be to lift the weights from the thighs to the shoulder level with a deep inhalation. It would be best to extend your arms with the palms facing down during the front lateral raise and pause for a few seconds once the arms are horizontal to the ground. Take care to bend your elbows slightly throughout the entire move to reduce any stress on the joints. Then lower the weights slowly and return to your thighs. You can do the drop of a front raise DB in a controlled motion with a gentle exhalation.

What Are the Benefits of a Dumbbell Front Raise?

The benefits associated with a dumbbell front raise are:

• It strengthens the deltoids and works the pectorals effectively. It would help if you had a strong shoulder to perform almost any activity in your everyday life. Be it lifting or pushing and pulling, you need to build shoulder strength; therefore, take a self-resolution to perform some form of the front shoulder raise in your fitness schedule.
• A front raise exercise is the best isolation workout to build shoulder strength and create more definition to the sides and front of the shoulders.
• This exercise is recommended as physical therapy for shoulder injuries or recovery after surgeries. Once you start to include the DB front raise in your everyday routine, you will see that it reduces neck pain and its symptoms within a short duration.

What Are The Variations Of A Dumbbell Front Raise?

The below mentioned modifications of a front raise dumbbell exercise are performed to improve the fitness levels and reach goals in various ways.

Seated Front Raise

A seated front raise is recommended for individuals with difficulty performing the front raise DB in a standing posture. However, while performing this exercise by sitting on a bench or chair, you have to strive and maintain the spine straight. Do not forget to brace your abs throughout the training, and as you master the move, gradually increase the dumbbell weights.

Barbell Front Raise

Instead of dumbbells, if you use a barbell to perform the front lateral raise, it is commonly referred to as the barbell front raise or BB front raise. The steps are the same as mentioned above in the standard front raise move with a pair of dumbbells. Use lighter weights even with barbells until you ace the move.

Similarly, the cable front raise and the plate front raise are the other two variations as the BB front raise. Instead of using barbells, you use a cable machine and weight plates. However, the steps are the same.

What Are The Common Mistakes Committed With A Dumbbell Front Raise?

The most common errors in a dumbbell shoulder front raise are stated very clearly so that you can ensure your safety and perform them in proper form.

• Do not sway while lifting the weights and stay strong with a stationary torso. But if it happens, shift to lighter weights immediately.
• Make sure not to use momentum to lift any weight. This is because momentum will reduce performance and effectiveness.
• Loading higher weights for a front delt raise will cause stress on the shoulder joints and eventually lead to an injury.
• Do not practice excessive weight as it has a higher chance of making you fail towards the end of a set.
• Always have your spine strain with no hunching, and brace the abs without any slack. Doing this will help you target the desired muscles effectively.
• Make sure to have your wrists in a neutral position. If the wrist is either up or down, you use heavyweights, which is not advisable.

Thus, we have discussed various aspects of a dumbbell front raise exercise and alternatives like cable front raise, barbell front raise, plate front raise, etc. You have to take necessary precautionary measures even though this exercise does not risk your health. Suppose you have any medical health, always consult your physician before performing. Always start with light weights and target only 10 to 12 repetitions for 1 to 3 sets and then gradually increase as you advance with the move. But during the practice, if you experience any shoulder discomfort, do not continue to lift. Stop and give sufficient time for your body to heal and recover.

Try this Dumbbell Front Raise Hold by Cult Fit