1. Deltoid Dilemmas
The deltoid, or shoulder, muscles, are difficult to isolate. Most shoulder exercises utilize the tricep and bicep muscles. Good, defined deltoids give an overall triangular look to the torso, slimming the waist and supporting the chest. The deltoid is a large muscle with a three-headed, thick, triangular shape. It starts from the clavicle and scapula in the rear of the shoulder and down the upper arm. The deltoid's basic function is to lift and rotate the arm.
2. Shape Up the Deltoids
When you do front raise exercises for the shoulders, you cannot lift as much weight as in a military or dumbbell press. Shoulder front raise exercises fully isolate the deltoids better than any other shoulder lifts. Front raise exercises for the deltoids develop the front of the shoulder. Start with lighter weight. Perfect the form before moving to heavier weights to avoid injury to the back or shoulders.
3. Step by Step
Warm up first with some cardio and do some reps with lighter weight to ready the muscle. You can do the front raise exercise for the shoulders either standing or sitting. Keep your arms almost completely straight through the entire movement. Keep the palms facing the floor. Lift one arm up until you are higher than the top of your head. Lower the weight slowly while lifting the other arm. The dumbbells should pass each other at face level. You can also use a barbell. Use an overhand grip. Start with the barbell hanging down in front of you. Keep the arms locked and lift above the head. Sit down for a better lift. You will not be able to use the momentum of the body as a help.
4. Traveling Shoulder Raises
If you want to do the front raise in your home or while traveling, use resistance bands for the same effect. String the band under your foot and step on it. Keep a shoulder width stance. Hold the band in your hand or loop on top of the wrist. Keep the palms facing down. Lift the band as high as you can. Lift it above your head if possible. Use the same control lowering as you would with the free weights. Start with 15 reps and then 10. Do as many reps you can for the third and fourth set to fatigue the muscle fully.
5. Ball Basics
A medicine ball is also effective for front raises. Unless you have a very large hand, you will have to use both hands. Hold your arms out in front of you with the palms facing down. Place the medicine ball on top of the hand of the working side. Use the other hand to steady it on top. Lift the arm up above the head for 20 repetitions and then do as many repetitions as you can to complete the exercise.
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