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Dumbbell Standing Around World
A full-circle raise sweeping light dumbbells from the thighs out to the sides and up overhead, training the deltoids through their entire arc of abduction.
ShouldersDumbbellShoulder circumduction
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-standing-around-world
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Lateral deltoidsAnterior deltoids
Secondary
Upper trapeziusSupraspinatusSerratus anteriorCore
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Shoulder circumduction
Setup
- 01Stand tall with feet hip width apart holding very light dumbbells in front of the thighs.
- 02Turn the palms forward so the arms can travel the full arc comfortably.
- 03Keep a slight bend in both elbows that stays fixed.
- 04Brace the trunk and set the shoulder blades down.
Execution
- 01Sweep both arms out to the sides and continue upward in one smooth arc.
- 02Finish with the dumbbells meeting above the head, arms extended.
- 03Reverse the same arc slowly back down to the thighs.
- 04Keep constant speed through the whole circle in both directions.
Checkpoints
- -The arms trace one continuous arc with no dead spots or jerks.
- -The elbows keep the same slight bend from bottom to top.
- -The traps stay as relaxed as possible past shoulder height.
- -The torso stays upright with no backward lean at the top.
Common mistakes
- -Going heavier than a strict lateral raise weight; this arc demands lighter loads.
- -Arching the low back to finish the overhead portion.
- -Bending the elbows more as fatigue builds, shortening the lever.
- -Rushing the lowering half of the circle.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 slow reps with dumbbells lighter than your lateral raise weight.
- -Best as a finisher or pre-press warm-up, not a heavy strength movement.
- -Stop the set once the arc loses smoothness.
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