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Best Beginner Shoulders Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout is specifically designed for individuals starting their fitness journey, focusing primarily on the deltoid muscles to enhance shoulder definition and strength.

It incorporates movements that elevate heart rate for effective calorie burning while emphasizing maintaining muscle mass.

Utilizing straightforward exercises with approachable equipment ensures safety and builds foundational strength, even for those with less than one year of experience.

With an emphasis on performing high repetitions with lighter weights, this regimen aids in sculpting lean shoulders and supports overall fat reduction.

By targeting the muscles involved in shoulder movement and stabilization, participants can expect improved functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The 15 Best Beginner Shoulders Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Dumbbell Front Raise

    Dumbbell Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,823,163
    Shoulders Strength
    98 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright holding a dumbbell in each hand at waist height, palms facing inward.
    2. Keep your arms slightly bent and lift the dumbbells in front of you to just above shoulder height.
    3. Lower the dumbbells back to waist height, maintaining a neutral back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 2. Dumbbell Shoulder Press

    Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,772,064
    Shoulders Strength
    99 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The 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

    1. Sit on a bench with your back straight.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, just outside shoulder-width, palms facing forward.
    3. Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides.
    4. Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists straight.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise

    Dumbbell Shoulder Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,935,648
    Shoulders Strength
    98 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing in at your hips.
    3. Tighten your core by breathing deeply and engaging your abs.
    4. With a slight bend in your elbows, raise the dumbbells to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 4. Kettlebell Upright Row

    Kettlebell Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    749,947
    Shoulders Strength
    95 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The 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

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the kettlebell handle with both hands using an overhand grip.
    3. Pull your elbows up past your shoulders, keeping the kettlebell close until it reaches your upper chest.
    4. Lower the kettlebell back to the start position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 5. Landmine Press

    Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    206,388
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders. By using a landmine, you can press the weight up and forward, which helps improve strength for sports and everyday activities.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with the barbell perpendicular to your body.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the end of the barbell in front of your chest with both hands.
    3. Grip the bar with your palms facing each other and elbows close to your sides.
    4. Brace your core and press the bar upward and forward.
    5. Lower the bar back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 6. Machine Lateral Raise

    Machine Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    561,098
    Shoulders Strength
    92 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Shrug Machine
    Shoulder Shrug Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Keep your chest up and back straight.
    3. Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
    4. Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 7. Machine Shoulder Press

    Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,196,498
    Shoulders Strength
    94 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Press Machine
    Shoulder Press Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
    3. Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 8. Single Arm Landmine Press

    Single Arm Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    143,234
    Shoulders Strength
    65 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Press is an upper body exercise that targets your shoulders, triceps, and core using a landmine attachment. By pressing with one arm at a time, it helps improve strength, stability, and coordination, making it a great choice for beginners and athletes alike.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the end of the barbell in your right hand, just in front of your right shoulder.
    3. Keep your right forearm vertical and your elbow tucked to your side.
    4. Brace your core and push the barbell upward until your arm is fully extended.
    5. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position and switch to your left arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 9. Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly

    Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    213,849
    Shoulders Strength
    83 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly is a simple exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper back. By using a mini loop band, you add resistance which helps improve muscle strength and stability while promoting shoulder health.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and wrap a band around your wrists with arms extended to the sides.
    2. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and raise your arms overhead.
    3. Push your wrists apart to form a 'Y' shape with your arms.
    4. Return to shoulder-width and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    9reps
    2
    9reps
    3
    9reps
  • 10. TRX W Deltoid Fly

    TRX W Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    78,692
    Shoulders Strength
    56 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX W Deltoid Fly strengthens the back of your shoulders and helps improve posture. This exercise focuses on controlled movements to enhance shoulder health and stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand facing the TRX and grab the handles at shoulder height with your arms straight and palms together.
    2. Lean back slightly while keeping your body straight.
    3. Pull your chest towards the TRX by moving your arms apart and bending your elbows to form a 'W' shape with your arms.
    4. Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 11. TRX Y Deltoid Fly

    TRX Y Deltoid Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    69,436
    Shoulders Strength
    66 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Y Deltoid Fly targets the back of your shoulders and upper back to improve shoulder stability and posture. This exercise helps strengthen your upper body with a unique movement that benefits shoulder health.

    How to do it

    1. Grab the TRX handles at shoulder height with your arms extended and palms together.
    2. Lean back slightly while keeping your arms straight.
    3. Pull your chest toward the TRX anchor, lifting your arms to form a 'Y' shape.
    4. Return to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 12. TRX Hammer Pull

    TRX Hammer Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    36,609
    Shoulders Strength
    87 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of TRX
    TRX

    The TRX Hammer Pull is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your shoulders using TRX straps. By adjusting your distance from the anchor point, you can control how hard the exercise is. This move also helps improve strength balance by working one arm at a time.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight holding the TRX handles with bent elbows in front of your chest.
    2. Lean back, extending your arms while keeping your elbows close to your body.
    3. Pull your chest towards the TRX anchor, sliding your right elbow past your torso and extending your left arm at shoulder height.
    4. Switch sides and repeat the movement with your left arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 13. Cable Front Raise

    Cable Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    178,281
    Shoulders Strength
    86 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Front Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the front deltoids while providing consistent resistance using a cable machine. This helps build shoulder strength and definition while also engaging the core for stability.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the cable machine pulley to its lowest setting and attach a bar.
    2. Stand facing away from the machine with the bar between your legs.
    3. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    4. Grab the bar with an overhand grip and pull it to your hips, feeling tension in the cable.
    5. Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look forward.
    6. With your arms nearly straight, raise the bar to eye level in an arc by using your shoulders.
    7. Hold the raised position briefly before returning to the starting point with control.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 14. Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press

    Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    135,459
    Shoulders Strength
    86 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Standing Single Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press works your shoulder muscles and helps improve stability by focusing on one side at a time. This standing exercise also engages your core for better posture and balance.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand at head level, palm facing forward.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    4. Press the dumbbell overhead using your shoulder muscle.
    5. Optionally, place your opposite hand on your hip for stability.
    6. Pause at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    7. Complete the desired number of reps, then switch sides and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 15. Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise

    Dumbbell Lateral Raise To Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    190,424
    Shoulders Strength
    91 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Lateral Raise to Front Raise is a shoulder exercise that combines two movements to effectively target the shoulder muscles. This workout helps strengthen your shoulders by raising the dumbbells both to the sides and in front of you.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing your legs.
    2. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    3. Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.
    4. Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until your arms are parallel to the ground, palms facing down.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    6. Raise the dumbbells in front of you, rotating your wrists so that palms face down at the top.
    7. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
    8. Repeat the lateral raise followed by the front raise to complete one repetition.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Beginner Shoulders Workouts

Alternative Shoulders Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat