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Exercise guide

Alternating Deltoid Raise

How to do the Alternating Deltoid Raise with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationDumbbellBeginnerPush
Primary muscles

Shoulders

Secondary

,

Equipment

Dumbbell

Step by step

How to do the Alternating Deltoid Raise

  1. 1

    In a standing position, hold a pair of dumbbells at your side.

  2. 2

    Keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise the weights directly in front of you to shoulder height, avoiding any swinging or cheating.

  3. 3

    Return the weights to your side.

  4. 4

    On the next repetition, raise the weights laterally, raising them out to your side to about shoulder height.

  5. 5

    Return the weights to the starting position and continue alternating to the front and side.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Alternating Deltoid Raise set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your shoulders volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More shoulders exercises

FAQ

Alternating Deltoid Raise: common questions

What muscles does the Alternating Deltoid Raise work?

The Alternating Deltoid Raise primarily works the Shoulders.

Is the Alternating Deltoid Raise suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Alternating Deltoid Raise is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Alternating Deltoid Raise?

To do the Alternating Deltoid Raise you'll need a dumbbell.

Is the Alternating Deltoid Raise a compound or isolation exercise?

The Alternating Deltoid Raise is an isolation exercise, it targets the shoulders through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Alternating Deltoid Raise with correct form?

In a standing position, hold a pair of dumbbells at your side. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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