Kettlebell Lateral Raise

Kettlebell Lateral Raise
English Name Kettlebell Lateral Raise
Difficulty Intermediate
Exercise Types کششی
Primary Muscle (EN) Middle Deltoid
Muscle GroupsShoulder Muscles
Workout TypeStrength training
Required equipmentKettlebell

💠 Exercise guide

The kettlebell lateral raise is a specialized exercise that targets the medial deltoid. Unlike dumbbells, kettlebells create greater engagement at the start of the movement and place a different stretch on the muscle. This exercise helps improve shoulder symmetry and joint stability.

Kettlebell Lateral Raise

💠 How to perform the exercise

Kettlebell Lateral Raise

Preparation

✅ Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart
✅ Hold one or two kettlebells at your sides
✅ Engage your core and maintain a neutral spine
✅ Keep your gaze forward with shoulders pulled back

Execution method

✅ Raise your arms out to the sides until they reach shoulder height
✅ Keep a slight bend in your elbows with palms facing downward
✅ Pause briefly at the top, then lower back down slowly
✅ Breathing: exhale as you lift – inhale as you return

Coaching tips and recommendations

✔ Avoid using momentum or swinging your body
✔ Focus on lifting with your shoulders, not your forearms or traps
✔ Choose a weight that allows you to maintain proper form
✔ Keep your torso stable throughout the entire movement

Benefits of the exercise

1️⃣ Targeted strengthening of the medial deltoid
2️⃣ Correcting imbalances between the anterior and medial shoulder muscles
3️⃣ Supporting greater stability of the glenohumeral joint
4️⃣ Improving control and balance in unilateral movements
5️⃣ Offering functional variety compared to dumbbells (greater engagement in the initial phase)
6️⃣ Enhancing form in throwing and overhead movements
7️⃣ Preventing muscular imbalances in the shoulders
8️⃣ Suitable for corrective and functional shoulder training
9️⃣ Providing more challenge for core stabilizers
🔟 A versatile exercise for strength, corrective, or functional programs

💠 Muscles engaged in the movement

In the kettlebell lateral raise, the medial deltoid acts as the primary target muscle. However, due to the way the weight is held and the movement is controlled, other shoulder muscles, core stabilizers, and back muscles also play a supportive role.

Main muscles

Middle Deltoid muscle
Middle Deltoid

Synergistic muscles

Anterior Deltoid muscle
Anterior Deltoid
Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Upper Trapezius
Upper Trapezius
Serratus Anterior Muscle
Serratus Anterior

Stabilizers

Core muscles
Core
Erectos Spinae
Erectos Spinae
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

Anterior Deltoid muscle

Anterior Deltoid Muscle

🔹 The anterior deltoid is one of the three parts of the deltoid muscle. Its primary functions are moving the arm forward (flexion), internal rotation, and assisting in horizontal shoulder movements. This muscle plays a key role in many upper-body exercises, especially strength training movements like bench press, front raises, and throwing actions.

🔹 The anterior deltoid is one of the most important muscles involved in pressing and pushing movements. Due to its engagement in many strength exercises, it is often well-developed among athletes and bodybuilders. However, overusing this muscle without strengthening the posterior shoulder muscles (posterior deltoid and rotator cuff) can lead to muscular imbalances and increase the risk of shoulder injuries.

Anterior 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

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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