Cross Body Front Raise: How To, Form & Muscles Worked

Lift a dumbbell diagonally across the front of your body to shoulder height, emphasizing the anterior (front) shoulder. Perform the movement with a controlled arc and steady core engagement.

How to do the Cross Body Front Raise#

Stand with feet hip-width and hold a dumbbell in one hand down by your thigh, arm nearly straight and grip comfortable.
Brace your core and keep a small bend in the elbow throughout the movement.
Raise the dumbbell in a diagonal arc across the front of your body, leading with the elbow until the weight reaches about shoulder level.
Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell slowly back to the starting position with control.

Muscles worked#

Primary: Front delts (Anterior Deltoid)
Secondary: Side delts (Lateral Deltoid), Traps (Trapezius), Chest (Pectoralis Major)

Common mistakes#

Swinging the torso or using hip drive to lift the weight.
Locking the elbow straight instead of keeping a slight bend.
Lifting the dumbbell above shoulder level.
Shrugging or elevating the shoulder during the raise.

Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Cross Body Front Raise work?

The Cross Body Front Raise primarily works the front delts. The side delts, traps, chest assist as secondary muscles — they stabilise the movement and take over when the main target fatigues. If you feel it mostly in the side delts, traps, chest, lighten the load and slow the lowering phase.

What equipment do I need for the Cross Body Front Raise?

The Cross Body Front Raise needs the following: Dumbbell. Nothing beyond that is required to run the movement as described above.

Is the Cross Body Front Raise suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Cross Body Front Raise is rated beginner: the technique is quick to pick up and forgiving when a rep goes slightly off. Start light and add weight once the form repeats itself without you thinking about it.

What are good alternatives to the Cross Body Front Raise?

Arnold Press, Dumbbell Around the World, Dumbbell Front Raise all train the same primary muscles as the Cross Body Front Raise. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.

How to do the Cross Body Front Raise#

Muscles worked#

Common mistakes#

Plan your sets

Frequently asked questions#

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