If you have problems with your shoulders, you can take some of the strain off your shoulders by performing the lateral raise with your elbows bent at 90-degree angles. Start the exercise with your elbow bent, palms facing inward and the dumbbells in front of your body. Keep your elbows bent throughout the exercise.
You can easily modify the lateral raise to work your rotator cuff muscles by performing the exercise with your palms facing forward instead of inward. Strengthening your rotator cuff muscles can help your performances in sports that require upper body strength. This variation also works the middle part of your shoulders.
The lateral raise works the muscles of your shoulders and upper back. This is a good exercise for building strength and defining the shape of your shoulders, which can even out overall look of your body.
As with any exercise you should be careful to use proper form when performing the lateral raise, but you should be especially careful if you have neck or lower back problems. You should not perform this exercise if you have shoulder problems.
Remember to keep your palms facing down as you lift the dumbbells to ensure your shoulders, rather than your biceps, are doing the work. You should also make sure you keep your elbows slightly bent throughout the exercise to take the pressure off your elbows.
To prevent injuries, avoid raising your arms above your shoulders and moving your upper body forward or back as you lift the weights. Maintaining good posture and tight abdominal muscles throughout the exercise will help you avoid back strain.
You can also perform the lateral raise while sitting on a chair or bench to provide better stability for your back while working your shoulders.
Do not arch your back, lean forward lean back or swing back and forth to help you lift the dumbbells. Keep your back straight at all times.
