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Stretchingbeginner

Shoulder Raise

How do you do a shoulder raise?

A beginner stretching exercise done using just your bodyweight that mainly works the shoulders, with help from the lats. Relax your arms to your sides and raise your shoulders up toward your ears, then back down. Start light, keep two clean reps in reserve, and add weight only when every rep looks the same.

Updated

Primary
Shoulders
Secondary
Lats
Equipment
None
Level
beginner

Shoulder Raise demonstration

Shoulder Raise, starting position
Shoulder Raise, starting position
Shoulder Raise, finishing position
Shoulder Raise, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Relax your arms to your sides and raise your shoulders up toward your ears, then back down.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •This is a great exercise for beginners - focus on form over reps

Muscles Worked

FrontFront view. Muscles worked: shoulders; also lats
BackBack view. Muscles worked: shoulders; also lats
ShouldersLats

Exercise Details

Category
Stretching
Force
pull
Mechanic
N/A
Level
beginner

Exercise Variations

At Home
Home workout modifications
Alternatives
Similar exercises
For Beginners
Easier modifications
Without Weights
Bodyweight options

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Shoulder Raise work?

Shoulder Raise primarily targets the Shoulders. It also works the Lats as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Shoulder Raise?

Shoulder Raise requires no equipment - it's a bodyweight exercise.

Is Shoulder Raise suitable for beginners?

Yes, Shoulder Raise is suitable for beginners. It's classified as a beginner-level exercise.

Alternatives to Shoulder Raise

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.

Chair Upper Body Stretch

Shoulders

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Round The World Shoulder Stretch

Shoulders

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Shoulder Circles

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Shoulder Stretch

Shoulders

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