How To Do A Seated Lateral Raise

Lateral raises are a shoulder isolation exercise that can help to improve strength, stability, and mobility in the shoulders. If you find your core isn't strong enough for standing lateral raises, or you are relying on momentum to get the dumbbells up, seated lateral raises can be a good alternative that puts the focus back into the shoulders.

Watch our Personal Trainer and Gym Manager demonstrate how to do seated lateral raises here.

1. Sit on the edge of a bench with your feet flat on the floor around shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing inwards. 
2. Slowly raise the dumbbells out to the side and slightly in front of your torso, stopping when they are parallel with your shoulders (or slightly higher if your shoulder mobility allows). You should maintain a slight bend in your elbows.
3. Pause at the top before lowering the dumbbells back to your sides.