Dumbbell Front Raise: How To, Form & Muscles Worked

Name: Dumbbell Front Raise — exercise demonstration
Uploaded: 2026-09-06T00:00:00+00:00
Description: Raise dumbbells straight out in front of you to about shoulder height, emphasizing the shoulder muscles. The movement is a controlled forward lift that primarily works the shoulders.

Raise dumbbells straight out in front of you to about shoulder height, emphasizing the shoulder muscles. The movement is a controlled forward lift that primarily works the shoulders.

How to do the Dumbbell Front Raise#

Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand and your arms extended down in front of your thighs.
Keep your arms straight and lift both dumbbells forward in a smooth motion until your arms are parallel to the floor or slightly above.
Pause briefly at the top while maintaining control and a neutral spine.
Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat for the desired reps.

Muscles worked#

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

Common mistakes#

Using momentum or swinging the torso to lift the weights.
Shrugging the shoulders up toward the ears at the top of the lift.
Lifting the dumbbells well above shoulder height.
Lowering the weights quickly without control.

Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Dumbbell Front Raise work?

The Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Front Raise?

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

Is the Dumbbell Front Raise suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Front Raise?

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

How to do the Dumbbell Front Raise#

Muscles worked#

Common mistakes#

Plan your sets

Frequently asked questions#

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