Machine Lateral Raise Exercise (Step-by-Step)
Updated: Jul 22, 2021
The machine lateral raise exercise is an excellent shoulder exercise for improving strength and is one of the best exercises for those looking to build up your shoulders.
It’s also a relatively simple movement; essentially you raise the weights to your sides up to shoulder level and then lower them again.
See our other shoulder exercise tutorials by clicking here.
How to Do the Machine Lateral Shoulder Raise:
Target Muscle: Shoulders
Exercise Type: Strength
Follow these instructions below for the machine lateral raise; however, you need to have access to a lateral raise machine.
To begin, adjust the machine and select an appropriate weight.
Then position yourself facing the machine with the base of your upper arms against the pads.
Maintain a straight back with your chest up and looking forward. This position is your starting position.
Start the movement by moving your upper arms laterally (sideways), away from your body. Continue moving your arms up and sideways until your upper arms are parallel with the floor.
Pause at the top for 1-2 seconds, and then return to the starting position.
Repeat this for your desired amount of repetitions.
Additional Variations: You can do this same exercise on a bench without the machine using dumbbells, plates, and even with no weights or resistance bands.