Proper Form Counts
The three shoulder raise exercises you will see most often are the front lateral raise, the front raise, and the lateral raise. The primary muscles at work are the deltoids, and more specifically, the anterior deltoid during the front and front lateral raise and the lateral deltoid during the lateral and front lateral raise. Additionally, you can expect to recruit the trapezius, supraspinatus, pectorals, wrist extensors, and your core for stabilization while standing.
While each of these moves typically requires the use of dumbbells, you can also use bands or a cable machine. When using dumbbells, the key to keeping your shoulders injury-free is to keep the repetitions on the higher end and go light with the resistance. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see training programs call for three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions of these exercises.
When raising the dumbbells during the front raise, how high you go will depend on your range of motion.