Lateral Raise Exercise For Adding Inches To Shoulder Width

In my opinion, the most emasculating aspects of a male physique, in ascending order, are…

• Skinny arms…
• Scrawny neck…
• Narrow shoulders…

Having narrow shoulders is by far the worst. Obviously shoulder width primarily comes from bone structure — and I can’t help you there — but I can introduce you to the lateral raise exercise which could help you to pack on a few inches of much needed width onto your shoulders.

The lateral raise exercise targets one of three heads of the deltoids (shoulder muscles) — the lateral deltoid, also known as the medial/middle or side deltoid.

The lateral deltoid is the muscle responsible for raising your arms upwards to the side. This precise movement is what we are going to utilize in order to build them up, adding width to your shoulders.

Here is how the lateral raise exercise is done…

1. Stand with your feet several inches apart, a dumbbell in each hand, palms turned inwards.
2. Ever-so-slightly bend your arms at the elbow.
3. Raise the dumbbells directly out to the sides to around shoulder height or slightly above.
4. Lower slowly.
5. Repeat for 7-12 repetitions, 3-5 sets.

It is important that when doing this exercise you do not swing the dumbbells up using momentum from your back, or you take the work from the deltoids, and also you risk injury. Movements should be smooth and deliberate.