Shoulders, with their three separate heads, can be hard to build. But a great set of shoulders is sure to get you noticed and help you look better no matter what you’re wearing.
One exercise that’s sure to give you stronger, better shoulders is the Alternating Dumbbell Front Raise. This exercise works the front of the shoulder and will help give you a stronger, more attractive physique.
Shoulders can take more time and attention than other muscle groups. Since shoulders are a joint with tremendous mobility, they can be more prone to injury. Shoulders require consistent effort and a variety of exercises to develop properly.
Let’s take a look at how to do this effective, shoulder-building exercise …
:: Grab a dumbbell in each hand and stand shoulder-width apart looking straight ahead. (Tips: Keep your back flat and your shoulders back and down.
:: Hold the Dumbbells in front of you at shoulder height. Have your palms facing each other with your thumbs up toward the ceiling.
:: Raise your left arm straight up over your head, while you keep your right arm straight out in front of you.
:: Slowly lower your left arm down so that it’s resting alongside your leg.
:: Slowly raise the left arm up again so that it’s over your head. Make sure your right arm stays in front of you at shoulder width.
:: Repeat this action with your left arm for a total of five (5) repetitions.
:: Complete three (3) to five (5) sets depending on the amount of weight you’re using and your fitness level.
Hints To Get The Most From This Exercise …
Keep your elbows slightly bent throughout exercise
Exhale as you raise Dumbbell up
Inhale as you lower a Dumbbell down
Lower Dumbbells slowly (this is called the negative and will help build stronger, more functional muscles)
All movements – both raising and lowing of the Dumbbells – should be slow and controlled during the exercise, so that your muscles do the work without the aid of momentum
Combine Alternate Dumbbell Front Raises With These Exercises For Great Results …
Dumbbell Arnold Press: The Arnold press works all three deltoid heads (front, middle, and back) and the Front Raise primarily focuses on the front deltoid. So, performing these exercises in the same workout is a great combination for comprehensive shoulder development.
Dumbbell Lateral Raises: This effective exercise works the deltoid muscles, specifically the lateral or side head. Lateral Raises also engage the trapezius, serratus anterior, and various stabilizing muscles in the shoulders and upper back.
Dumbbell Shoulder Shrugs: Shoulder Shrugs can complement Dumbbell Front Raises since they target different muscle groups. Shrugs primarily work the trapezius muscles (upper back) while front raises focus on the anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder). Combining these exercises in the same workout will hit both the front and back of the shoulder area.
It’s not easy building strong, defined shoulders. But the right exercises and consistent effort will help give you the great-looking, high-performing body that you need to be your best.