Best Shoulders Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat For Women
About
This comprehensive shoulder-focused workout incorporates effective exercises aimed at enhancing deltoid development and overall shoulder strength.
The program emphasizes a balance between maintaining muscle mass and promoting fat loss, using low to moderate weights with higher repetitions to optimize caloric expenditure while toning muscle.
Adaptation to individual differences ensures that the regimen suits the average measurements of women (5’5”, 140 lbs, 34 years old), recognizing that individual capabilities may vary.
Key movements include overhead presses and straight arm raises to specifically target the shoulder muscles, fostering improved upper body functionality and aesthetics.
Workout 1
Shoulders

Dumbbell Front Raise
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs48reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
112reps12.5lbs212reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs
Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Front Plate Raise
112reps12.5lbs212reps12.5lbs312reps12.5lbs
Iron Cross
112reps7.5lbs212reps7.5lbs312reps7.5lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders

Arnold Dumbbell Press
18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs48reps15lbs
Barbell Shoulder Press
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs
Kettlebell Upright Row
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Landmine Press
112reps25lbs212reps25lbs
Machine Lateral Raise
112reps12.5lbs212reps12.5lbs312reps12.5lbs
Machine Shoulder Press
112reps17.5lbs212reps17.5lbs312reps17.5lbs
Seated Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 3
Shoulders

Side Laterals to Front Raise
18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs48reps10lbs
Single Arm Landmine Press
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs
Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly
14reps24reps34reps
TRX W Deltoid Fly
18reps28reps38reps
TRX Y Deltoid Fly
16reps26reps36reps46reps
TRX Hammer Pull
15reps25reps35reps45reps55reps
Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Press
16reps35lbs26reps35lbs36reps35lbs
The 15 Best Shoulders Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat for Women
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 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, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs2. Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,323,992Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise is an exercise for the shoulders, focusing on the rear deltoids. By leaning forward with your hips back, you can effectively work the muscles at the back of your shoulders.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
- Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips until your torso is at a 90-degree angle.
- Keep your elbows bent and raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the lift and then lower the dumbbells back down slowly.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs3. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs4. 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, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs5. Arnold Dumbbell Press
Arnold Dumbbell Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,297,498Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Arnold Dumbbell Press is an exercise that mainly works your shoulders. It involves lifting dumbbells while rotating your palms, providing a more comfortable and effective movement compared to a regular shoulder press.
How to do it
- Sit on a bench with a slight incline.
- Hold dumbbells at shoulder height with palms facing you.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides and shoulders back.
- Press the dumbbells overhead while rotating your palms to face away from you.
- Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height, rotating your palms back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs6. Barbell Shoulder Press
Barbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,319,013Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
BarbellsThe Barbell Shoulder Press is a strength exercise that mainly works your shoulder muscles. It helps improve your ability to lift weight overhead with stability and strength.
How to do it
- Stand with the barbell at shoulder height and grab it with your hands shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees slightly and lower yourself to place the bar on your upper chest.
- Position your elbows under the bar so your forearms are straight up and palms face forward.
- Lift the barbell straight up until your arms are fully extended, keeping it aligned with your ears.
- Lower the barbell back to your chest to repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs7. Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED954,627Shoulders Strength92 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders using dumbbells. Standing while you do this adds balance challenges, engaging more muscles for stability.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height.
- Press the dumbbells overhead by engaging your shoulders.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the weights back to shoulder level.
- Keep your core tight to protect your lower back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs8. Front Plate Raise
Front Plate Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,299,393Shoulders Strength83 mScoreShoulders
BarbellsThe Front Plate Raise is a great exercise to strengthen the front of your shoulders. By using a weight plate, you can effectively work your anterior deltoids while keeping the movement smooth and controlled.
How to do it
- Stand upright and hold the sides of a weight plate in front of your waist.
- Keep your arms slightly bent and raised the plate to just above shoulder height.
- Lower the plate back to the starting position, maintaining a neutral back throughout.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs9. Iron Cross
Iron Cross demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED579,037Shoulders Strength85 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Iron Cross is a full-body exercise that works multiple muscle groups by combining an arm raise with a squat. It helps strengthen your shoulders and lower body while improving overall stability.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out.
- Hold a pair of dumbbells with your arms raised parallel to the floor.
- Keep your weight balanced as you squat down, bending your knees and pushing your hips back.
- Ensure your knees point slightly outward, aligned with your toes.
- Brace your core to keep your back straight throughout the movement.
- As you squat, bring your arms forward so your palms face each other.
- Return to the starting position and repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs10. 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. Landmine Press
Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED206,388Shoulders Strength88 mScoreShoulders
Barbells
LandmineThe 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
- Stand with the barbell perpendicular to your body.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the end of the barbell in front of your chest with both hands.
- Grip the bar with your palms facing each other and elbows close to your sides.
- Brace your core and press the bar upward and forward.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs12. 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, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs13. 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, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs14. Seated Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
Seated Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED736,963Shoulders Strength83 mScoreShoulders
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe Seated Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise strengthens the muscles at the back of your shoulders. Sitting provides stability, helping you focus on your form while balancing the weight evenly on both sides.
How to do it
- Sit on the edge of a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in.
- Lean forward at your hips at a 40-60 degree angle with your back straight.
- Raise the dumbbells out to the sides until they reach shoulder height, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs15. Side Laterals to Front Raise
Side Laterals to Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED841,909Shoulders Strength87 mScoreShoulders
DumbbellsThe Side Laterals to Front Raise is an exercise that targets different parts of your shoulders. You lift weights out to the sides and then bring them in front to work your shoulder muscles more effectively.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold dumbbells at your hips with palms facing in.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight.
- Raise the dumbbells to the side until they're at shoulder height.
- Bring the weights together in front of you with arms extended.
- Lower the weights back down in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps10lbs28reps10lbs38reps10lbs
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Alternative Shoulders Workouts for Women
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