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Dumbbell Front Raise being performed with proper form
Dumbbell Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for the full movement.

How to do a Dumbbell Front Raise

Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology

About this exercise

Sets Logged
6,658,201
Popularity Rank
17th
Difficulty
Beginner
Shoulders Strength
99 mSCORE 2nd
Equipment Required

Workouts with Dumbbell Front Raise

    Target muscles worked

    Primary Muscles
    Shoulders
    Secondary Muscles
    None

    Instructions for Proper Form

    Dumbbell Front Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders, more specifically the anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder). This is a very common shoulder exercise, and can work well to isolate the shoulders to build strength and muscle mass. By using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.

    1. In an upright standing position, grab a pair of dumbbells with your palms facing inward at waist height.
    2. Keep your arms extended and your elbows slightly flexed throughout the exercise.
    3. Flex your shoulder to raise your arms up to just above shoulder height before lowering back down to the starting position.
    4. Your back should remain neutral the entire time without any arching of the lower back or excessive movement in the torso.
    5. Repeat with the left side.

    Tips & FAQs

    • Dumbbell Front Raise is also known as:

      • DB Front Raise
      • Dumbbell Forward Raise
      • Front Shoulder Raise

    Common Form Mistakes

    • Swinging the Dumbbells

      Using momentum, or recruiting additional muscle groups can help you lift heavier weights with this exercise. However it also reduces the effectiveness, and increases the risk of injury. Keep your weights on the lighter side, and focus on controlling the weight. If you’re struggling, consider using a seated variation. This can help you prevent swinging the dumbbells or adding additional movements to this exercise.

    • Limit Range of Motion

      Raising the weight too high can increase your risk of injury, and isn’t particularly beneficial for these exercises. Limit your range of motion to around shoulder height. If you’re looking to make the exercise more challenging consider pausing for a moment at the top of the movement.

    Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator

    Average Dumbbell Front Raise standards by male, female, weight, age and height

    Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.

    • beginner
      8
      reps
      12.5
      lbs
      1 Rep Max
      15
      lbs
    • intermediate
      8
      reps
      15
      lbs
      20
      lbs
    • advanced
      8
      reps
      17.5
      lbs
      22.5
      lbs

    Enter your stats to calculate your Reps & Weight

    How is this calculated?

    Alternatives & Variations to Dumbbell Front Raise

    Filter By

    1. 1. Dumbbell Shoulder Press

      Photo of Dumbbell Shoulder Press being performed
      99.5 mSCORESWAPPED 8,573 TIMES

      Dumbbell Shoulder Press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. The use of dumbbells allows for slightly more instability than with equipment like barbells. This can help you recruit and develop stabilizing muscles around the shoulders. In addition, by using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.

    2. 2. Cable Lateral Raise

      Photo of Cable Lateral Raise being performed
      97.7 mSCORESWAPPED 6,655 TIMES

      Cable Lateral Raise is a variation on the more standard Dumbbell Shoulder Raise. Similar to the Dumbbell Shoulder Raise, this isolation exercise primarily targets the shoulders, and more specifically the medial deltoid (middle of the shoulder). By using a cable machine, you have more control over the direction your resistance is coming from, and can easily make adjustments. In addition, by isolating each side of the body, you can more easily identify and address strength imbalances between sides.

    3. 3. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise

      Photo of Dumbbell Shoulder Raise being performed
      97.8 mSCORESWAPPED 4,614 TIMES

      Dumbbell Shoulder Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders, more specifically the medial deltoid (middle of the shoulder). This is a very common shoulder exercise and can work well for building muscle mass and strengthening the shoulders. By using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.

    4. 4. Dumbbell Lateral Raise

      Photo of Dumbbell Lateral Raise being performed
      95.5 mSCORESWAPPED 4,191 TIMES

      An isolation exercise using dumbbells to raise the arms sideways, targeting the deltoid muscles.

    5. 5. Machine Shoulder Press

      Photo of Machine Shoulder Press being performed
      92.5 mSCORESWAPPED 3,596 TIMES

      is a variation on the more standard shoulder press that utilizes a machine. Like other shoulder presses, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. The use of the machine restricts your movements, and adds more stability. This allows you to focus more on exertion than stabilization. This is a great exercise for anyone looking to learn the basic movement, and develop the strength needed for other similar exercises or functional applications.

    6. 6. Front Plate Raise

      Photo of Front Plate Raise being performed
      79.2 mSCORESWAPPED 3,432 TIMES

      Front Plate Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder). By using a weight plate, you ensure an even distribution of weight, which can help maintain consistency throughout the movement. This exercise is great for emphasizing the front of your shoulder and adding some variety to your shoulder workouts.

    7. 7. Cable Front Raise

      Photo of Cable Front Raise being performed
      78.8 mSCORESWAPPED 3,300 TIMES

      Cable Front Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the anterior deltoids, offering a more consistent resistance throughout the movement than free weights. The use of a cable machine ensures tension is maintained on the shoulders, promoting better muscle activation and growth. This variation is key for developing shoulder definition and strength, with the added benefit of engaging the core for stability throughout the exercise.

    8. 8. Cable Face Pull

      Photo of Cable Face Pull being performed
      96 mSCORESWAPPED 2,818 TIMES

      Cable Face Pull is a compound exercise that primarily targets your shoulders, more specifically your posterior deltoids (back of the shoulder). By using a cable machine, you have more control over where the resistance is coming from, and can easily make adjustments by either moving towards or away from the cable machine, or by adjusting the height of the pulley.

    9. 9. Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise

      Photo of Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise being performed
      94.7 mSCORESWAPPED 2,807 TIMES

      Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise is a variation of Dumbbell Shoulder Raise. Similar to other shoulder raises, this is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. By hinging your hips back, and leaning forward slightly, you can further emphasize your rear deltoids (back of the shoulder).

    10. 10. Arnold Dumbbell Press

      Photo of Arnold Dumbbell Press being performed
      93.2 mSCORESWAPPED 2,716 TIMES

      Arnold Dumbbell Press is a compound movement that primarily targets the shoulders. The difference between the Arnold Press and a standard Shoulder Press is that you bring the dumbbells in front of you at the bottom of the movement rather than stopping when they reach your shoulders. Bringing the dumbbells in front of you can be more a comfortable movement as well as improve muscle activation.