The front raise exercise is an excellent shoulder exercise, specifically for improving the front and side deltoids, and is also a great overall shoulder exercise.
Also, the front shoulder raise is a pretty simple exercise, it's not a complicated multi-joint machine exercise.
All you need for this exercise is access to a barbell, a pair of dumbbells, or even cables or resistance bands.
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(Barbell) Front Raise Shoulder Exercise Instructions:
Target Muscle: Shoulders
Exercise Type: Strength
Follow these instructions below for the front raise shoulder exercise; however, you need to have access to either a barbell or a pair of dumbbells, or even a cable machine or pair of resistance bands. This guide is specifically for the barbell front raise.
To begin, use a pronated and shoulder-width grip on a barbell from a standing position.
Then hang your arms straight down to a mid-thigh position with your elbows extended. Your head should be facing forward, with your shoulders back and your chest up.
Maintain a straight back and contract and squeeze your abs for core support. This position is your starting position.
To initiate the central movement, flex your shoulders, and raise the weight (the barbell) straight out and up in front of you.
Keep your elbows extended and keep your wrists in a neutral position throughout the movement. Continue the upward movement of the arms until the barbell is just above or equal to your shoulder height.
At the top of the motion, pause for 1-2 seconds and then slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat this exercise for your desired amount of reps.
Additional Variations: You can do this same exercise using dumbbells, plates, and even with no weights or you can use resistance bands.