Equipment:
Dumbbells

Exercise:

1. The exercise can be done while standing or sitting.
2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at the side of your body.
3. Keeping the elbows slightly bent, raise your arms sideways to shoulder height.
4. In the top position, your hands should be at the same level as your shoulders with the palms facing the floor. Slowly lower back to starting position.

Performance Tips:

1. Start the movement by contracting the muscles at the side of the shoulder instead of swinging the arm up from the dumbbells.
2. Maintain good posture throughout the execution of the exercise.
3. Keep elbows slightly bent to avoid strain in the elbow joint.
4. Avoid lifting the arms higher than shoulder level as you can damage nerves and ligaments in the shoulder joint.

Repetitions:
If you want to broaden the shoulders - use a weight heavy enough that you can only finish eight repetitions before your muscles get fatigued. Rest. Do one or two more sets. If you only want definition in the shoulders - use a light to moderate weight that allows you to finish 1 5 repetitions before your muscles get tired. Rest. Do one or two more sets.

Go to Common Exercises...