Dumbbell Single-Arm Lateral Raise

Dumbbell Single-Arm Lateral Raise
English Name Single-Arm Lateral Raise – Dumbbell
Difficulty Intermediate
Exercise Types فشاری, پویا
Primary Muscle (EN) Middle Deltoid
Muscle GroupsShoulder Muscles
Workout TypeIsolated Strength training
Required equipmentDumbbell

💠 Exercise guide

The Dumbbell Single-Arm Lateral Raise is a classic isolation exercise for strengthening the medial deltoid. By focusing on one side of the body, it not only places greater tension on the target muscle but also activates the core muscles more intensely to maintain balance. This exercise is highly effective in structured shoulder training programs.

Single-Arm Dumbbell Lateral Raise

💠 How to perform the exercise

Single-Arm Dumbbell Lateral Raise

Preparation

✅ Stand with your feet hip-width apart
✅ Hold the dumbbell in your right hand, with your left hand resting at your side or on your hip
✅ Keep the shoulders neutral, core engaged, and knees slightly bent

Execution method

✅ Slowly raise your right arm out to the side until it is parallel to the floor
✅ Keep a slight bend in the elbow, maintaining a natural form
✅ Pause briefly at the top, then lower back down to the starting position with control
✅ Repeat the exercise on the opposite side

Coaching tips and recommendations

✔ Perform the movement slowly and with control; avoid swinging or using momentum
✔ Do not let the shoulder shrug upward or the body lean to the opposite side
✔ Keep the torso stable; avoid twisting or swaying
✔ Inhale as you lift and exhale as you lower

Benefits of the exercise

🔹 Targeted strengthening of the medial deltoid:
By eliminating bilateral engagement, this exercise directs the training load entirely onto the active shoulder.

🔹 Improved balance and muscular coordination:
Performing the exercise one-sided increases core engagement to help maintain proper body alignment.

🔹 Ideal for correcting asymmetry:
If there is a strength or size difference between the shoulders, this exercise helps address the imbalance.

🔹 Enhanced control and precision:
Since the movement is performed slowly and without momentum, it helps improve neuromuscular control.

Common Mistakes and Corrections in the Single-Arm Dumbbell Lateral Raise

Mistake: Shrugging the shoulder
🔍 Explanation: This over-activates the neck and upper trapezius muscles, taking the focus away from the medial deltoid.
Correction: Keep the shoulders down while performing the movement. Use a mirror to check and adjust your form if needed.


Mistake: Swinging the arm upward
🔍 Explanation: Using momentum instead of controlled muscle activation increases the risk of shoulder joint injury
Correction: Choose a lighter weight and perform the movement slowly, pausing at the top position.


Mistake: Locking the elbow
🔍 Explanation: Reduces shoulder muscle activation and increases stress on the elbow joint
Correction: Keep a slight bend in the elbow (about 10–15 degrees) and avoid fully locking it out.


Mistake: Raising the arm above shoulder level
🔍 Explanation: Engages the neck muscles and increases stress on the shoulder joint
Correction: Stop the movement once the arm is parallel with the shoulder.


Mistake: Swinging the torso to assist the movement
🔍 Explanation: Reduces focus on the shoulder and recruits additional muscles, especially in the lower back
Correction: Engage the core, keep the torso stable, and perform the movement solely from the shoulder joint.

Scientific Insight on the Single-Arm Dumbbell Lateral Raise | From NSCA and ACE Sources

EMG (electromyography) research reported in scientific sources such as NSCA’s Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning and studies published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research show that:

The Lateral Raise is one of the exercises that:

  1. Produces very high activation in the medial deltoid muscle

    – Especially when the elbows are slightly bent and the arm is raised to shoulder height.

  2. Compared to the shoulder press, it works more in isolation and targets the lateral shoulder fibers with greater precision.

    – Especially in beginners or those with weaknesses in shoulder muscle isolation.

  3. Performing it one arm at a time increases core muscle activation to maintain body balance.

    – An important aspect that is often less evident in bilateral exercises.

🎯 Practical takeaway for coaches and athletes:

  • If your goal is to build the medial deltoid and enhance muscle definition, the dumbbell lateral raiseespecially the single-arm version—is one of the most effective options.

  • Combining this exercise with compound movements like the press creates a solid balance between strength and muscle definition.

📌 Key Quote:

“The lateral raise produces higher middle deltoid activation than overhead pressing when performed under controlled tempo and proper range.”
(Boone et al., 2017 – J Strength Cond Res)

📝 Persian Translation:

“Harekat Nashr Janeb dar sorat ejra-ye kontrol-shode va dar dame-ye sahih, fa’al-sazi-ye bishtari dar ozole-ye Deltoid Miyani nesbat be Press Bala-ye Sar ijad mikonad.”

lateral raise

💠 Muscles engaged in the movement

In the single-arm dumbbell lateral raise, the primary focus is on the medial deltoid. Synergist muscles assist in initiating and controlling the movement, while stabilizing core muscles help maintain balance in the unilateral position.

Main muscles

Middle Deltoid Muscle
Middle Deltoid

Synergistic muscles

Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Anterior Deltoid Muscle
Anterior Deltoid
Upper Trapezius
Upper Trapezius

Stabilizers

Rectus Abdominis
Rectus Abdominis
Obliques
Obliques
Neck Muscles
Neck Muscles
Engaged muscles

Middle Deltoid muscle

Middle Deltoid Muscle

🔹 The middle deltoid is one of the three parts of the deltoid muscle. Its primary function is to lift the arm outward (abduction) and assist in stabilizing the shoulder during overhead movements. Due to its position on the side of the shoulder, it has the greatest impact on creating the rounded, muscular shape of the shoulders.

🔹 This part of the deltoid is less involved than the anterior section in daily activities and requires specific training for strengthening. Weakness in this muscle can lead to narrower shoulders and limited overhead movement. Strengthening it improves muscular balance in the shoulder and helps prevent shoulder injuries.

Middle Deltoid Muscle

Supraspinatus Muscle

Supraspinatus Muscle

🔹 The supraspinatus muscle is one of the four main rotator cuff muscles and plays a vital role in stabilizing the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint. It is especially important in initiating arm abduction before the middle deltoid activates. Additionally, it helps prevent shoulder dislocation and enhances joint stability.

🔹 The supraspinatus muscle is often undertrained in daily workouts, but its weakness is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and injuries such as shoulder impingement syndrome. Therefore, athletes and bodybuilders should pay special attention to strengthening this muscle.

Supraspinatus muscle

Deltoid Muscle

Deltoideus Muscle

🔹 The deltoid muscle is one of the most important and voluminous muscles of the shoulder region. Its primary function is to move the arm in various directions and stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to its triangular shape, it is named “deltoid,” derived from the Greek word “Δέλτα” (delta), meaning triangle.

🔹 The deltoid muscle is divided into three distinct heads, each playing a specific role in shoulder movement. The anterior head assists in forward motions and arm flexion, the middle head is responsible for abduction and lifting the arm, and the posterior head supports extension and movements behind the body. This muscle is essential for the stability and strength of the shoulder joint, and its weakness can lead to limited range of motion, reduced shoulder power, and an increased risk of injury.

Deltoid Muscle

Trapezius muscle

Trapezius Muscle

The trapezius muscle is one of the most important superficial back muscles, extending from the occipital region to the middle of the back. It plays a key role in shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and neck motions. Strengthening this muscle improves shoulder endurance, reduces neck pain, and enhances overall posture.

Trapezius muscle

Muscle training

Pelank is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the body’s muscles, providing an accurate and scientific review of all muscles. Below, you can find muscle groups. By clicking on each muscle group, you will have access to complete information about it, including:

1️⃣ Basic information about the muscle
2️⃣ Muscle anatomy
3️⃣ Muscle physiology
4️⃣ Innervation and blood supply
5️⃣ Importance of the muscle in the body and sports
6️⃣ Strengthening exercises
7️⃣ Scientific and interesting facts

📌 At the end, a summary review of each muscle will be provided.

Body muscles training guide link

🔹 The muscle group engaged in this movement is highlighted in color.

References

Anatomy and medical books :

Sports and training references :

  • Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
  • Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
  • Well-known articles and training programs by international coaches

Medical databases :

  • PubMed (for scientific and research articles)
  • MedlinePlus (health and medical information)
  • WebMD (for practical and general health information)

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