Ellim Logo
Ellim
Download on the App Store

Dumbbell Front Raise

Perform the dumbbell front raise to target your anterior deltoids, building strength and definition in your shoulders.

Intermediate
Isolation
Push
1 min per set1 min rest
Shoulders
Dumbbell

Variations of Dumbbell Front Raise

Dumbbell Seated Front Raise exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Isolation

Dumbbell Seated Front Raise

Build strong, well-defined anterior deltoids with the seated dumbbell front raise.

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell
Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Isolation

Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise

Targeting the anterior deltoid, the Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise isolates the front of your shoulder.

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell
Dumbbell Lateral to Front Raise exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Compound

Dumbbell Lateral to Front Raise

Sculpt strong, defined shoulders with the Dumbbell Lateral to Front Raise. This dynamic exercise targets both the side and front deltoids for

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell
Dumbbell Incline Front Raise exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Isolation

Dumbbell Incline Front Raise

Strengthen your anterior deltoids with the Dumbbell Incline Front Raise. Sit on an incline bench and lift dumbbells directly in front of you for targeted

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell

Description

A weight exercise that targets the shoulder muscles. The exercise is performed by lifting a dumbbell in front of you with your arm extended.

Save Dumbbell Front Raise to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to Do Dumbbell Front Raise

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a pronated grip (palms facing your thighs).

  2. 2
    Setup

    Keep your core engaged, shoulders retracted and depressed, and maintain a slight, consistent bend in your elbows.

  3. 3

    Exhale and slowly raise one dumbbell straight up in front of you, keeping your arm extended but with that slight elbow bend.

  4. 4

    Continue lifting until your arm is parallel to the floor, with the dumbbell approximately at shoulder height.

  5. 5

    Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position with control, resisting gravity throughout the descent.

  6. 6

    Alternate arms or complete all repetitions on one side before switching, maintaining a stable torso throughout the set.

Tips

  • Focus on a slow, controlled lowering phase (eccentric contraction) to maximize muscle engagement and prevent momentum from assisting the movement.
  • Avoid swinging the dumbbells up by using your torso; if you find yourself doing this, reduce the weight to maintain strict form.
  • Keep your shoulders pulled down and back, away from your ears, to ensure proper deltoid activation and prevent unnecessary engagement of the upper traps.
  • Maintain a slight, consistent bend in your elbows throughout the entire range of motion to protect your joints and keep tension on the anterior deltoid.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using excessive weight causes you to swing the dumbbells and compromise form; reduce the weight to maintain strict control and isolate the target muscles.
  • ×Shrugging your shoulders towards your ears during the lift engages the traps instead of the deltoids; keep your shoulders depressed and stable throughout the movement.
  • ×Lifting the dumbbells significantly above shoulder height can put unnecessary strain on the shoulder joint; stop the lift when your arm is approximately parallel to the floor.

In the Ellim app, Dumbbell Front Raise unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

  • Log sets, reps, and weight

    Track every set as you train

  • See your strength curve

    Performance graphs across all sessions

  • Add to a routine

    Save into a custom workout in one tap

  • Rest timer with Live Activity

    Dynamic Island countdown between sets

  • HealthKit sync

    Workouts flow to Apple Health

  • 3,500+ exercise library

    Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train dumbbell front raise?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell Front Raise work?
Dumbbell Front Raise primarily targets Deltoid Anterior. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Lateral, Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Serratus Anterior.
Is Dumbbell Front Raise good for beginners?
Dumbbell Front Raise is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell Front Raise?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell Front Raise. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Dumbbell Front Raise?
Focus on a slow, controlled lowering phase (eccentric contraction) to maximize muscle engagement and prevent momentum from assisting the movement. Avoid swinging the dumbbells up by using your torso; if you find yourself doing this, reduce the weight to maintain strict form. Keep your shoulders pulled down and back, away from your ears, to ensure proper deltoid activation and prevent unnecessary engagement of the upper traps. Maintain a slight, consistent bend in your elbows throughout the entire range of motion to protect your joints and keep tension on the anterior deltoid.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell Front Raise?
Using excessive weight causes you to swing the dumbbells and compromise form; reduce the weight to maintain strict control and isolate the target muscles. Shrugging your shoulders towards your ears during the lift engages the traps instead of the deltoids; keep your shoulders depressed and stable throughout the movement. Lifting the dumbbells significantly above shoulder height can put unnecessary strain on the shoulder joint; stop the lift when your arm is approximately parallel to the floor.

Related Exercises

Barbell Front Raise exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Isolation

Barbell Front Raise

Strengthen your anterior deltoids with the Barbell Front Raise. Lift a barbell straight up to shoulder height, focusing on controlled movement for

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorBarbell
Dumbbell Alternate Shoulder Press exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Compound

Dumbbell Alternate Shoulder Press

Strengthen your shoulders with the Dumbbell Alternate Shoulder Press. This exercise effectively targets your deltoids by pressing dumbbells one arm at a

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell
Dumbbell Standing Overhead Press exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Compound

Dumbbell Standing Overhead Press

Build strong, sculpted shoulders and triceps with the Dumbbell Standing Overhead Press.

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell
Dumbbell Bench Seated Press exercise targeting Shoulders and Deltoid Anterior
Compound

Dumbbell Bench Seated Press

Build strong, defined shoulders with the Dumbbell Seated Bench Press. Effectively targets anterior deltoids, improving upper body strength and stability.

Intermediate
ShouldersDeltoid AnteriorDumbbell
Assisted Standing Triceps Dip exercise targeting Upper Arms and Pectoralis Major Sternal Head
Compound

Assisted Standing Triceps Dip

Build triceps strength with machine assistance that lets you focus on proper dip form at a manageable load.

Intermediate
Upper ArmsPectoralis Major Sternal HeadLeverage machine
Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press exercise targeting Back and Chest
Compound

Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press

The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.

Advanced
BackChestDumbbell

Track every rep of Dumbbell Front Raise.

Watch your weight climb session by session. See your strength curve. Add it to a routine you'll actually run.

Get Ellim — Free

Ready to train?

Dumbbell Front Raise

Get Ellim — Free