A well-built physique takes months of hard work to develop. In similar fashion with dieting, you need to be disciplined and follow a regimented program. When your upper body is due for its weekly dose of exercise, the lateral front raise is a good addition to your shoulder workout. This exercise is also known simply as the front raise.
Target Area
The shoulders contain two main muscles -- the trapezius and deltoids. The deltoids have a posterior, lateral and anterior segment. The posterior portion is on the back of the shoulder, the lateral portion is on the side of the shoulder and the anterior portion is in the front. Lateral front raises work the anterior part of the delts.
Function of the Lateral Front Raise
Obtaining a well-defined look in the shoulder area is a common goal among those who work out. The lateral front raise will improve your aesthetic appeal, but it goes further than that. With stronger front delts, you will be able to perform both sport and daily living activities with more efficiency. Take housework, for example. Lifting a heavy box and placing it on a high shelf causes you to work your front delts -- if you strengthen them, these types of tasks will be easier.
Technique
The movement pattern is basic with the front raise, and you still need to pay attention to your form to get positive results without injury. Begin in a standing position with your feet about hip-width apart and dumbbells held in front of your thighs with your palms facing your body. Keeping your arms straight, raise the weights up in front of your body until your arms parallel the floor. Hold this position for a full second, slowly lower the weights and repeat. When you first start doing the exercise, use a light weight. A common error occurs when an exerciser tries to lift heavy weights and pops the hips forward while rounding the back. This is a sign that the weight is too heavy and it can lead to injury.
Variation
You do not need to use dumbbells for this exercise. A barbell works just as well. Hold it with an overhand, shoulder-width grip and perform the exercise the same way as with dumbbells. You also have the option of turning this into a combination exercise to work the lateral and anterior delts at the same time. The lateral-to-front raise is performed from a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Begin the exercise by lifting the weights up in front of you and lowering them back down. Then move the weights up to your sides until your arms parallel the floor. Slowly lower the dumbbells down, and continue to lift them forward and to your sides. Keep your palms down throughout the entire exercise.
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