Shoulders · Dumbbell

Dumbbell Underhand Front Raise

Underhand grip that hammers the front delts.

Dumbbell Underhand Front Raise exercise demonstration
ShouldersDumbbell

How to do it

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs, palms facing forward.
  2. Brace your core and stand tall.
  3. Raise both arms straight out in front until they reach shoulder height.
  4. Lower slowly under control.

The one cue that matters

Keep a slight elbow bend and don't swing, no body english.

Muscles worked

Turning your palms up puts the front delts in a slightly different, often more comfortable line of pull than the standard palms-down raise, and many lifters find it easier on cranky shoulders. Raising both dumbbells to shoulder height out front leaves the anterior delts to do the job almost alone. Treat it as targeted isolation for when pressing volume alone is not developing the front of your shoulders.

FAQ

What is the difference between underhand and overhand front raises?

The target is the same front delt, the grip changes comfort and feel. Underhand tends to feel smoother through the shoulder for many people, so run whichever version lets you train pain free and strict.

Do I even need front raises if I bench and overhead press?

Often not much, the front delts get hammered by pressing. They earn a place when your pressing volume is low or your front delts visibly lag, and as a light pump finisher.

Why do I keep swinging on front raises?

The dumbbells are too heavy, simple as that. This movement takes embarrassingly light weight done strictly, and momentum hands the work to everything except your delts.

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