How to do a Handle Band Forward Raise
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
Workouts with Handle Band Forward Raise
Instructions for Proper Form
Handle Band Forward Raise is a variation on the more standard Front Raise. Similar to the Front Raise, this is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your shoulders. The use of a handle band allows for increasing resistance as you progress through the movement. In addition it can help prevent cheating by swaying or utilizing your lower body to help raise the weight.
- Stand upright with your feet hip width apart and a resistance band underneath the middle of both feet holding the handles with an overhand grip next to your hips.
- Raise the resistance band handles in a forward circular motion just above your head keeping your arms extended.
- Return to the starting position.
Common Form Mistakes
Varying Tension with Bands
Resistance increases as you stretch a band. Make sure you’re using a band that allows you to move through your full range of motion. The resistance may feel too light during parts of the movement.
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.
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Alternatives & Variations to Handle Band Forward Raise
1. Dumbbell Front Raise
98.6 mSCORESWAPPED 685 TIMESDumbbell 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.
2. Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise
78.6 mSCORESWAPPED 250 TIMESDumbbell Lateral Raise to Front Raise is a combination of both Shoulder Raise, and Front Raise. Both movements in this exercise are isolation movements that primarily target the shoulder. By performing these exercises together, you can more completely target your shoulders than by using one of these two movements.
3. Dumbbell Standing Front Press
64.1 mSCORESWAPPED 180 TIMESDumbbell Standing Front Press is a variation on the more standard Shoulder Press. Similar to other Shoulder Press variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your shoulders. The standing position helps improve overall balance and functional strength by engaging your core and stabilizing muscles more than a seated version. Using dumbbells ensures that each side of the body works equally, preventing compensating for any strength imbalances between sides.
4. Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press
65.4 mSCORESWAPPED 163 TIMESThis exercise is a variation on the more standard Shoulder Press. Similar to other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets your shoulders. By performing this exercise one side at a time, you add some instability to the movement, as well as ensuring that you aren’t compensating for any strength discrepancies between sides. Performing this exercise while standing can help make this exercise more functional, as well as force you to further recruit your core to maintain good form and posture.
5. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
99.5 mSCORESWAPPED 162 TIMESDumbbell 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.
6. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
97.8 mSCORESWAPPED 152 TIMESDumbbell 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.
7. Cable Front Raise
78.8 mSCORESWAPPED 140 TIMESCable 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. Dumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotations
43.6 mSCORESWAPPED 137 TIMESDumbbell Cuban Shoulder Rotation is a shoulder exercise that involves holding a dumbbell just above your head with your elbows out to each side, and then rotating your forearms forwards. It’s a great exercise for gaining strength and improving mobility in your shoulders, especially your rotator cuff.
9. Cable Lateral Raise
97.7 mSCORESWAPPED 131 TIMESCable 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.
10. Barbell Front Raise
61.6 mSCORESWAPPED 129 TIMESPrimarily focusing on the anterior deltoids, the Barbell Front Raise is an isolation exercise that enhances shoulder strength and muscular endurance. Performing this movement with a barbell ensures a balanced development of the shoulder muscles, contributing to overall shoulder health and aesthetic.