Back to library

Exercise Library

Dumbbell Front Raise V. 2

A both-arms-together dumbbell front raise that isolates the anterior deltoids and demands stricter trunk control than the alternating version.

ShouldersDumbbellFront raise
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-front-raise-v-2

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Anterior deltoids

Secondary

Lateral deltoidsUpper trapeziusSerratus anterior

Equipment

Dumbbell

Pattern

Front raise

Setup

  1. 01Stand with feet hip width apart holding dumbbells against the front of the thighs.
  2. 02Use a palms-down grip with a soft bend in the elbows.
  3. 03Brace the trunk and tuck the ribs slightly to resist leaning back.
  4. 04Set the shoulders down before the first rep.

Execution

  1. 01Raise both dumbbells together straight in front of you.
  2. 02Stop when the bells reach shoulder height with arms roughly parallel to the floor.
  3. 03Pause briefly at the top.
  4. 04Lower both bells under control back to the thighs.

Checkpoints

  • -Both arms rise at the same speed and height.
  • -Torso stays vertical; raising both bells doubles the pull into lean-back.
  • -Elbows keep the same soft bend throughout.
  • -The lowering phase takes as long as the raise.

Common mistakes

  • -Rocking backward to swing both bells up.
  • -Raising above shoulder height and shifting load to the traps.
  • -Letting the bells drop instead of lowering under control.
  • -Shrugging the shoulders toward the ears as the arms rise.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps with light to moderate load.
  • -Front delts get heavy work from pressing; keep volume modest.
  • -Go lighter than the alternating version since both arms load the trunk at once.

Related exercises

Almost there

Coming soon to iOS & Android

GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.

Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play