Dumbbell Front Raise
A shoulder isolation exercise that raises dumbbells straight out in front of the body, targeting the front head of the shoulder.
Equipment: Dumbbells
How to do it
- 1Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs, palms facing your body.
- 2Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, raise one or both dumbbells straight out in front of you to shoulder height.
- 3Pause briefly at the top.
- 4Lower back down under control to the starting position.
Common mistakes
- Using momentum from the hips or lower back to help swing the weight up.
- Raising the dumbbells above shoulder height, which shifts stress onto the shoulder joint.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 2-3 | 8-12 | 60-90 sec |
| Build muscle | 2-3 | 10-15 | 45-60 sec |
| General fitness | 2-3 | 12-15 | 45-60 sec |
Ranges reflect the same goal-based logic used by the workout plan tool. Actual set count in a generated plan also depends on how often this muscle group appears elsewhere in your week.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dumbbell Front Raise safe for beginners?
Yes. The Dumbbell Front Raise is tagged as beginner-friendly in GetFitArchitect's exercise database, meaning it doesn't demand much prior strength or mobility. Start with a weight or resistance level where you can complete every rep with good form, and only add load once that feels controlled.
What muscles does the Dumbbell Front Raise work?
The primary mover is your shoulders. As a push movement, it also involves your triceps and upper chest.
What can I substitute if I don't have dumbbells for the Dumbbell Front Raise?
The Overhead Barbell Press targets the same primary muscle with different equipment, so it's a reasonable swap if you don't have dumbbells available.
See the Overhead Barbell PressRelated exercises
Learn more
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