Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise

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

Intermediate
Isolation
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

This exercise targets the anterior deltoid muscle, located in the front of the shoulder. It's performed by lifting a dumbbell directly in front of you, with your arm extended, until it's at shoulder height.

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How to Do Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding one dumbbell in one hand with an overhand grip, arm extended down in front of your thigh.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Keep your chest up, shoulders back and down, and core engaged to maintain a stable torso throughout the movement.

  3. 3

    Exhale and slowly raise the dumbbell straight in front of you, keeping your arm mostly straight with a slight elbow bend, until it reaches shoulder height.

  4. 4

    At the top of the movement, your palm should be facing the floor, and the dumbbell should be roughly parallel to your shoulder.

  5. 5

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

  6. 6

    Complete all repetitions on one arm before switching to the other, maintaining proper form and control.

Tips

  • Focus on controlled movement: Avoid using momentum to swing the weight up; instead, initiate the lift purely with your anterior deltoid.
  • Maintain a slight bend in your elbow: This prevents hyperextension and reduces strain on the elbow joint while keeping tension on the shoulder.
  • Keep your torso stable: Resist the urge to lean back or arch your lower back as you lift; your core should be tight to prevent compensatory movements.
  • Control the eccentric phase: Slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position over 2-3 seconds to maximize muscle engagement and growth.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using momentum to lift the weight reduces the isolation on the anterior deltoid; instead, use a lighter weight and focus on a slow, controlled lift.
  • ×Raising the dumbbell too high can engage the traps and put unnecessary stress on the shoulder joint; stop when the dumbbell is parallel to your shoulder.
  • ×Arching the lower back indicates you are using too much weight or not engaging your core; brace your core tightly and ensure your spine remains neutral throughout the movement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise work?
Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise primarily targets Deltoid Anterior. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Lateral, Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Serratus Anterior.
Is Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise good for beginners?
Dumbbell One Arm 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 One Arm Front Raise?
You need Dumbbell to perform Dumbbell One Arm 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 One Arm Front Raise?
Focus on controlled movement: Avoid using momentum to swing the weight up; instead, initiate the lift purely with your anterior deltoid. Maintain a slight bend in your elbow: This prevents hyperextension and reduces strain on the elbow joint while keeping tension on the shoulder. Keep your torso stable: Resist the urge to lean back or arch your lower back as you lift; your core should be tight to prevent compensatory movements. Control the eccentric phase: Slowly lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position over 2-3 seconds to maximize muscle engagement and growth.
What are common mistakes when doing Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise?
Using momentum to lift the weight reduces the isolation on the anterior deltoid; instead, use a lighter weight and focus on a slow, controlled lift. Raising the dumbbell too high can engage the traps and put unnecessary stress on the shoulder joint; stop when the dumbbell is parallel to your shoulder. Arching the lower back indicates you are using too much weight or not engaging your core; brace your core tightly and ensure your spine remains neutral throughout the movement.

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Dumbbell One Arm Front Raise

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