Best Beginner Shoulders Workouts For Men
About
This workout is designed with beginner-friendly shoulder exercises that utilize basic equipment and prioritize safety while still offering an efficient challenge.
Ideal for individuals with less than a year of fitness experience, the included movements focus on proper form and foundational strength.
The exercises have been tailored to suit the average male demographic (5’10”, 180lbs, 35 years old), but adjustments should always be based on personal capability.
Focusing on strengthening the deltoids, these activities incorporate overhead presses and straight arm raises to enhance shoulder movement and support upper body functionality.
Workout 1
Shoulders

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps20lbs25reps20lbs35reps20lbs45reps20lbs55reps20lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
Dumbbell Back Fly
110reps10lbs210reps10lbs310reps10lbs
Cable Lateral Raise
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Cable Rear Delt Fly
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps20lbs25reps20lbs35reps20lbs45reps20lbs55reps20lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
Cable Shoulder Press
110reps25lbs210reps25lbs310reps25lbs
Freemotion Shoulder Press
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs
Hammerstrength Shoulder Press
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Kettlebell Upright Row
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Workout 3
Shoulders

Dumbbell Front Raise
15reps20lbs25reps20lbs35reps20lbs45reps20lbs55reps20lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
Machine Lateral Raise
110reps35lbs210reps35lbs310reps35lbs
Machine Shoulder Press
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
The 15 Best Beginner Shoulders Exercises for Men
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Dumbbell Back Fly
Dumbbell Back Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,248,270Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Incline BenchThe Dumbbell Back Fly targets the back of your shoulders while providing stability from an incline bench. This exercise helps strengthen your posterior deltoid by isolating the muscle effectively.
How to do it
- Grab a pair of dumbbells.
- Lie chest-down on an incline bench with your knees slightly bent.
- Hold the dumbbells in front of your shoulders, palms facing forward.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent and back straight.
- Lift the dumbbells out to the sides until shoulder height, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position slowly.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs2. Cable Lateral Raise
Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,978,112Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the middle deltoid muscle. Using a cable machine allows for better control and can help identify strength differences between your left and right sides.
How to do it
- Adjust the pulley to the lowest position and attach a handle.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the pulley with your left side.
- Grab the handle with your right hand, keep your palm facing in.
- Tighten your core to maintain a straight back.
- With a slightly bent elbow, raise the handle to shoulder height while rotating it slightly upwards.
- Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs3. Dumbbell Front Raise
Dumbbell Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,823,163Shoulders Strength98 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Front Raise is an exercise that strengthens the front part of your shoulders. It helps build muscle and balance strength between both sides of your body using dumbbells.
How to do it
- Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand at waist height, palms facing inward.
- Keep your arms slightly bent and lift the dumbbells in front of you to just above shoulder height.
- Lower the dumbbells back to waist height, maintaining a neutral back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs4. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED6,772,064Shoulders Strength99 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the shoulders. Using dumbbells helps engage stabilizing muscles and can improve balance between both sides of the body.
How to do it
- Sit on a bench with your back straight.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just outside shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
- Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides.
- Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists straight.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs5. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,935,648Shoulders Strength98 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Shoulder Raise is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the middle part of your shoulders. It helps improve muscle balance and can enhance shoulder strength by using dumbbells.
How to do it
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing in at your hips.
- Tighten your core by breathing deeply and engaging your abs.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs6. Cable Rear Delt Fly
Cable Rear Delt Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED645,918Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
Crossover CableThe Cable Rear Delt Fly targets the rear shoulders to improve your shoulder balance and posture. Using a cable machine allows for better muscle activation with constant tension. This exercise also strengthens the upper back and helps correct shoulder imbalances.
How to do it
- Adjust the pulleys to just above your eye level.
- Stand facing the pulleys with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grab the left pulley with your right hand and the right pulley with your left hand.
- Engage your core and extend your arms out to the sides, keeping them straight.
- Pause briefly when your arms are fully extended, then slowly return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs7. Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED164,564Shoulders Strength77 mScoreShoulders
Crossover CableThe Cable Shoulder Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder muscles, especially the front and middle parts. Using cables keeps tension on the muscles, improving stability and control during the movement.
How to do it
- Set the pulleys to the lowest position and attach the handles.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles outside your shoulders, palms facing forward, and elbows by your sides.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are straight and in line with your ears, then lower them back down.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs8. Freemotion Shoulder Press
Freemotion Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED95,615Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
Freemotion Machine (all forms)The Freemotion Shoulder Press is a beginner-friendly exercise that targets your shoulder muscles. Using a Freemotion machine helps you maintain stability, making it easier to control your movements and focus on your form.
How to do it
- Adjust the dual pulleys to the lowest position with handle attachments.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles at shoulder height with palms facing forward and elbows close to your sides.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists and forearms straight.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position to repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs9. Hammerstrength Shoulder Press
Hammerstrength Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED662,175Shoulders Strength91 mScoreShoulders
Hammerstrength (Leverage) Machine (all forms)The Hammerstrength Shoulder Press is a machine exercise that targets your shoulder muscles. It provides stability, allowing you to focus on pushing the weights without worrying about balance.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the Hammerstrength shoulder press machine, ensuring your heels are flat on the ground.
- Keep your back against the pad with your head, shoulders, and butt touching it.
- Hold the handles with an overhand grip, positioned just outside shoulder-width.
- Engage your core by breathing into your stomach and tightening your abs.
- Push the handles upward until your arms are fully extended, then return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs10. Kettlebell Upright Row
Kettlebell Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED749,947Shoulders Strength95 mScoreShoulders
KettlebellsThe Kettlebell Upright Row targets your shoulders and improves muscle activation by allowing you to pull the kettlebell in different directions. It's a great way to build strength in your upper body while using a kettlebell.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the kettlebell handle with both hands using an overhand grip.
- Pull your elbows up past your shoulders, keeping the kettlebell close until it reaches your upper chest.
- Lower the kettlebell back to the start position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs11. Machine Lateral Raise
Machine Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED561,098Shoulders Strength92 mScoreShoulders
Shoulder Shrug MachineThe Machine Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise done on a machine that provides support and stability. It helps you focus on strengthening your shoulders in a controlled way.
How to do it
- Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
- Keep your chest up and back straight.
- Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
- Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs12. Machine Shoulder Press
Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,196,498Shoulders Strength94 mScoreShoulders
Shoulder Press MachineThe Machine Shoulder Press is a safe and effective exercise that targets your shoulders using a machine. It helps you build strength while providing stability, making it ideal for beginners to learn the movement.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
- Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
- Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs13. Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED86,130Shoulders Strength89 mScoreShoulders
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row is a shoulder exercise that uses one arm at a time for added challenge. It helps build shoulder strength while ensuring you balance strength between both sides.
How to do it
- Stand upright and grab the bar of the Smith machine with your right arm, just outside your shoulder, resting it on your thighs.
- Unhook the bar and pull it up towards your chest by bending your right elbow.
- Keep your back straight and lower the bar back to your thighs after reaching chest height. Repeat on the left side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs14. Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED318,975Shoulders Strength77 mScoreShoulders
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press is a safe way to work your shoulder muscles. This exercise uses a Smith Machine for better control and stability while pressing the bar overhead.
How to do it
- Set the Smith Machine bar at shoulder height.
- Sit under the bar with it at chest level.
- Position your elbows under the bar and palms facing up, then stand up to lift the bar.
- Engage your core and press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended above your head.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position at chest level.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs15. TRX T Deltoid Fly
TRX T Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED102,507Shoulders Strength50 mScoreShoulders
TRXThe TRX T Deltoid Fly targets the deltoid muscles, especially those in the shoulders, helping to enhance shoulder stability and flexibility. This exercise supports better shoulder health and may improve posture compared to regular shoulder exercises.
How to do it
- Stand facing the TRX anchor with the straps extended.
- Grab the handles with palms facing in and arms straight.
- Step forward until your body is horizontal under the handles with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Engage your core to keep your back straight from heels to shoulders.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, move your arms out to the sides in a smooth upward arc until they are level with your shoulders.
- Slowly return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps28reps38reps
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