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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell standing alternate raise

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The dumbbell standing alternate raise targets the anterior and lateral deltoids, improving shoulder definition and stability. By alternating arms, you can focus on the form and control for each repetition, ensuring balanced development across both shoulders. This movement also engages the core to maintain a stable, upright standing position, making it a comprehensive exercise for shoulder health and aesthetics.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and core engaged.
  2. Dumbbell Grip: Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing your body). Let your arms hang straight down by your sides.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Raise: Maintaining a slight bend in your elbows, raise one dumbbell out to the side until your arm is parallel to the floor.
  2. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, resisting the pull of gravity.
  3. Alternate Arms: As soon as the first dumbbell returns to your side, raise the other dumbbell in the same manner.
  4. Repeat: Continue alternating arms in a smooth and controlled fashion for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Shoulders: Concentrate on using your shoulder muscles to lift the weight, not your traps or back.
  • Keep Torso Stationary: Avoid swinging your torso or using momentum to lift the weight.
  • Elbow Position: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the entire movement.
  • Smooth Movement: The raise and lower phases should be smooth and controlled.

Common mistakes: Excessive body sway and using heavy weights that compromise form.

Alternatives

Cable

cable front raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell

barbell overhead press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing alternate press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell

barbell seated behind the neck press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing overhead press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench

barbell seated overhead press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell seated press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing alternate raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline y raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine

machine hammer grip shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine

machine seated shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell

kettlebell strict press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell

barbell front raise

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell

kettlebell upright row

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None

pike push-up

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band

resistance band overhead press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell

dumbbell push press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench

dumbbell arnold press

Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine

smit-machine seated shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine

smit-machine standing shoulder press

Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2