Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise

Build wider, more defined shoulders with the Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise.

Intermediate
Isolation
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

This exercise targets the side deltoids, and also works your traps and upper back. It is performed by holding a dumbbell in one hand, leaning on an incline bench and then lifting the dumbbell sideways up to shoulder height.

Save Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise to a routine

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

Get Ellim — Free

How to Do Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise

  1. 1
    Setup

    Set an adjustable bench to a 30-45 degree incline. Lie sideways on the bench, pressing your outer hip and rib cage firmly against it for stability.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Hold one dumbbell in the hand furthest from the bench, allowing your arm to hang straight down towards the floor with a slight bend in the elbow. Your palm should face your body.

  3. 3

    Exhale and slowly raise the dumbbell out to the side, keeping the slight elbow bend, until your arm is parallel to the floor and the dumbbell is roughly at shoulder height. Focus on lifting with your lateral deltoid.

  4. 4

    Inhale as you slowly and with control lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, resisting gravity throughout the movement. Avoid letting the dumbbell simply drop.

Tips

  • Maintain a slight bend in your elbow throughout the movement; avoid locking your elbow or letting it straighten excessively, which can put strain on the joint.
  • Focus on initiating the lift with your lateral deltoid, imagining pushing the dumbbell away from your body and out to the side, rather than simply swinging it up.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement by resisting gravity for 2-3 seconds, which enhances muscle breakdown and growth.
  • Keep your torso stable against the bench; avoid rocking or using momentum from your body to help lift the weight, as this reduces the isolation on the lateral deltoid.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Swinging the weight up rather than controlling the lift reduces muscle engagement; instead, use a lighter weight and focus on a slow, controlled raise and lower.
  • ×Raising the dumbbell significantly above shoulder height can involve other muscles and potentially strain the shoulder joint; ensure your arm stops roughly parallel to the floor.
  • ×Losing stability on the bench and leaning away reduces the isolation effect; actively press your side into the bench and engage your core to maintain a rigid torso.

In the Ellim app, Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral 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 incline one arm lateral raise?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise work?
Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise primarily targets Deltoid Lateral. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Anterior, Serratus Anterior, Trapezius Upper Fibers.
Is Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise good for beginners?
Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral 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 Incline One Arm Lateral Raise?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral 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 Incline One Arm Lateral Raise?
Maintain a slight bend in your elbow throughout the movement; avoid locking your elbow or letting it straighten excessively, which can put strain on the joint. Focus on initiating the lift with your lateral deltoid, imagining pushing the dumbbell away from your body and out to the side, rather than simply swinging it up. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement by resisting gravity for 2-3 seconds, which enhances muscle breakdown and growth. Keep your torso stable against the bench; avoid rocking or using momentum from your body to help lift the weight, as this reduces the isolation on the lateral deltoid.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral Raise?
Swinging the weight up rather than controlling the lift reduces muscle engagement; instead, use a lighter weight and focus on a slow, controlled raise and lower. Raising the dumbbell significantly above shoulder height can involve other muscles and potentially strain the shoulder joint; ensure your arm stops roughly parallel to the floor. Losing stability on the bench and leaning away reduces the isolation effect; actively press your side into the bench and engage your core to maintain a rigid torso.

Track every rep of Dumbbell Incline One Arm Lateral 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 Incline One Arm Lateral Raise

Get Ellim — Free