Lateral arm raises work your lateral deltoid (the muscle on top of your shoulder), says Sherika Holmes, NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Sherika Fitness, which helps you strengthen and build muscle in your upper arms.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand so your palms face in toward the sides of your body.
- With control, keep your arms straight (but don't lock that elbow) and, as you inhale, raise both hands up toward the ceiling. You want your palms facing down and your arms parallel to the floor. Your hands won't be directly out to the side, but slightly forward, so you'll be able to see them in your peripheral vision. Keep your core tight and back flat as you lift the weights, not allowing your spine to curve or hunch.
- As you exhale, slowly lower your hands back to your body.
- This completes one rep.
