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Exercise guide

Single Dumbbell Raise

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

IsolationDumbbellBeginner
Primary muscles

Shoulders

Secondary

Forearms, Traps

Equipment

Dumbbell

Step by step

How to do the Single Dumbbell Raise

  1. 1

    With a wide stance, hold a dumbell with both hands, grasping the head of the dumbbell instead of the handle. Your arms should be extended and hanging at the waist. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Raise the weight until it is above shoulder level, keeping your arms extended. Your torso and hips should remain stationary throughout the movement.

  3. 3

    Return to the starting position and repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Single Dumbbell 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

Single Dumbbell Raise: common questions

What muscles does the Single Dumbbell Raise work?

The Single Dumbbell Raise primarily works the Shoulders. It also recruits the Forearms and Traps as supporting muscles.

Is the Single Dumbbell Raise suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Single Dumbbell 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 Single Dumbbell Raise?

To do the Single Dumbbell Raise you'll need a dumbbell.

Is the Single Dumbbell Raise a compound or isolation exercise?

The Single Dumbbell 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 Single Dumbbell Raise with correct form?

With a wide stance, hold a dumbell with both hands, grasping the head of the dumbbell instead of the handle. Your arms should be extended and hanging at the waist. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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