Lateral Raise - With Bands
Lateral Raise - With Bands is a beginner-level isolation in the strength category that primarily works the shoulders. It is performed with resistance bands.
How to do it
- 1To begin, stand on an exercise band so that tension begins at arm's length. Grasp the handles using a pronated (palms facing your thighs) grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The handles should be resting on the sides of your thighs. Your arms should be extended with a slight bend at the elbows and your back should be straight. This will be your starting position.
- 2Use your side shoulders to lift the handles to the sides as you exhale. Continue to lift the handles until they are slightly above parallel. Tip: As you lift the handles, slightly tilt the hand as if you were pouring water and keep your arms extended. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
- 3Lower the handles back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
- 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles in filled badges, secondary in grey. Tap for more exercises per muscle.
Tips and common mistakes
- •Focus on the muscle contraction and control the eccentric (lowering) phase.
- •Add load only once you complete all reps with good form — progressive overload.
- •Press through the full range and avoid snapping the joints into lockout.
- •Prioritize full range of motion over heavy weight with partial reps.
Sets and reps
For hypertrophy: 3–4 sets × 8–12 reps with 1–2 reps in reserve (RPE 7–9) and 1–2 minutes rest. For strength: 3–5 × 4–6 with longer rest.