This version of the lateral raise is a bit more challenging than the bent-arm version shown previously because the arms are straight. Whenever you have a longer lever to work with, you increase the difficulty of the exercise, which means you may not be able to use as much weight as with the bent-arm version. The key to doing this move correctly is to keep a slight bend in the elbows, but to keep them pointing towards the back of the room rather than towards the floor, which is a common mistake. Think of leading with the elbows rather than the hands or wrists.
- Sit or stand and hold light-medium weights at the sides.
- Keeping a slight bend in the elbow, lift the arms out to the sides, stopping at shoulder level.
- Lower back to start and repeat for 1-3 sets of 10-16 reps.
Tips
- Keep the back straight and the abs contracted throughout the movement.
- Keep the wrists straight and the elbows just slightly bent.
