Dumbbell Rear Lateral Raise (support head) - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Rear Lateral Raise (support head)

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Rear Lateral Raise (support head).

MediumRear shoulders

About this exercise

The dumbbell rear lateral raise with head support is a bent-over lateral raise variation where the forehead rests against a wall or pad. Supporting the head removes momentum from the movement, forcing the rear deltoids to work in strict isolation.

How to Perform

  • Stand in front of a wall or high bench and rest your forehead against it for support
  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms hanging straight down, palms facing each other
  • Hinge forward so your torso is roughly parallel to the floor
  • Keep a slight bend in your elbows throughout the movement
  • Raise both dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc until upper arms are parallel to the floor
  • Squeeze the rear deltoids at the top of the movement
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly back to the starting position

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders
Secondary
Side shouldersTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Rear Lateral Raise (support head)

The Dumbbell Rear Lateral Raise (support head) is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.