What Are the Benefits of Front Raises With Dumbbells?

Dumbbell front raises are a muscle-building move that targets your shoulders. Beyond increased muscle definition and looking better in a tank top, stronger shoulders can help improve your functional abilities, such as lifting a heavy object. Once you have the front raise form down, you can add it to your regular weightlifting routine. Always check with your physician, however, before beginning weightlifting to ensure you are in good enough health.

The dumbbell front raise involves lifting two dumbbells to shoulder height. To perform the exercise, choose a weight you can perform 10 to 12 repetitions with. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing toward your body. Your stomach should be tightened and tucked in, head facing forward and shoulders relaxed. Take a deep breath in and exhale while lifting the weights in front of you, stopping when your weights are shoulder height. You may wish to keep your elbows slightly bent to avoid arm locking that can cause strain. Control the dumbbells as you lower them toward your legs. Repeat the exercise 10 to 12 times, rest for 30 seconds and perform one to two additional sets.

Your anterior deltoid muscles or the front of your shoulders, are the major muscle group worked via the front raise with dumbbells exercise. Toned shoulder muscles provide definition for the top of the arms you work hard for, meaning you’ll look better in a tank top and/or t-shirt. Through regular practice and cardiovascular exercise to burn fat, you can begin to see muscular definition.

Strong shoulders are not just for looks alone. They also help you perform everyday activities, particularly lifting objects, according to Sports Injury Clinic. From putting something heavy on a shelf to hauling boxes when you or a friend decide to move, strong shoulders give you the functional ability and strength to lift. This also can minimize your injury risk from straining while attempting to lift a heavy item or catching an item in the air.

While the dumbbell front raise chiefly targets the shoulder muscles, they are not the only muscles worked via the exercise. The exercise also utilizes the muscles of your upper back as stabilizing muscles, meaning they are engaged with your deltoids in lifting the dumbbells. Examples of muscles in your upper back worked include your trapezius, rotator cuff and erector spinae muscles. The exercise also works the front of your arm and chest muscles, including the biceps and pectorals. Because your abdominal muscles are engaged in keeping your body steady as you raise the weights, you also are using your oblique and transverse abdominus muscles on the front of your abdomen.