Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / shoulders

DB lateral raise (strict)

Slight forward lean, lead with the elbow, thumb slightly down at the top.

Muscles

Primary
side delts
Supporting
None listed

Mechanics

Pattern
shoulder isolation
Equipment
dumbbell
Geometry
Variable Range
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Side delt initiates and controls the movement — not traps or momentum.
Progression
Add load only when all reps are trap-free and controlled.
Regression
Drop weight significantly; lateral raises reward lightness with better stimulus.

Watch for

  • Shrugging
  • Using too much weight to initiate
  • Straight-arm swing

Substitutions

  • Cable lateral raise
  • Machine lateral raise
  • Band lateral raise
Open DB lateral raise (strict) in the app →