Exercise 101: Lateral Raise Using Free Weights
Name of Exercise—Free weight lateral raise
Type of Exercise—Single-joint
Muscles Used—Shoulder
Starting Position
- Stand or sit up with your back straight and arms fully extended at your sides.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing the sides of your thighs.
Upward Movement
- Raise your arms upward, keeping your palms facing the ground, until both arms are parallel to the floor.
- Pause for a moment before lowering.
Downward Movement
- Slowly lower the weights until your arms are by your sides again.
Trainer Tip
Do not lean back while performing the movement and remember to initiate the movement from your shoulders not your hands.
Repetitions, Sets, and Weight
The number of repetitions (reps) and sets you should do depends on your strength goals. In general, muscle strength works to increase basic function of the muscle and is the typical workout choice. Muscle endurance is important to people who participate in endurance activities such as running or biking, and muscle power is beneficial for athletes who need to use sudden quick movements (eg, sprinting, basketball, football). Beginners should begin with a basic routine and gradually move toward a strength, endurance, or power routine.
Beginner: 1 set of 8-10 reps
Muscle Strength: 1 to 3 sets of 5-8 reps
Muscle Endurance: 1 to 3 sets of 15-20 reps
Muscle Power: 1 to 3 sets of 3-5 reps
Use a weight that is heavy enough to perform the desired number of reps and sets for your skill level using good form. Once you are able to perform more reps and sets than is outlined in your category, try to increase the weight you lift by 5%-10%. Your strength goals may change as you progress.
References:
Baechle TR, Earle RW. Essentials of Strength and Conditioning. 2nd Edition. Human Kinetics; 2000.
News and Publications. American College of Sports Medicine website. Available at: http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Brochures2&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8144. Accessed January 17, 2008.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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