Exercises / Shoulder & scapula
Dumbbell front raise
- Strength
- Shoulder & scapula
- Light dumbbells
Raising straight arms forward to shoulder height works the anterior deltoid and the clavicular part of pectoralis major.
Also called shoulder flexion raise, forward raise.
Where you stand
No published distribution for this exercise yet. We add one only from a peer-reviewed study.
Muscles worked
Filled: primary. Outlined: secondary.
How much
Common clinical dose: 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions at a load that is hard by the last repetition, 2-3 days per week (ACSM novice guideline). Adjust to symptoms.
Start: Standing
Steps
- Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand in front of the thighs.
- Raise the arms forward to shoulder height with the elbows almost straight.
- Lower slowly over 2-3 seconds.
Cues
- Ribs down, no back arch
- Stop at shoulder height
Common mistakes
- Swinging the weights up
- Shrugging
- Leaning back
Used for
- Shoulder flexion strengthening
- Rotator cuff and deltoid rehabilitation
Take care (1)
- Keep below shoulder height if raising further is painful.
Evidence (1)
- In fine-wire EMG of shoulder rehabilitation exercises, flexion and scaption were among those that most challenged the deltoid.1
Easier
References (3)
- Townsend H, Jobe FW, Pink M, Perry J. Am J Sports Med. 1991;19(3):264-272. Electromyographic analysis of the glenohumeral muscles during a baseball rehabilitation program
- Neumann DA. Elsevier. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed.
- Dalley AF, Agur AMR. Wolters Kluwer. Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 9th ed.