Dumbbell Standing Front Raise Above Head - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Standing Front Raise Above Head

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Standing Front Raise Above Head.

MediumFront shoulders

About this exercise

The dumbbell standing front raise above head extends the classic front raise through its full arc — past shoulder height and overhead — to maximise anterior deltoid recruitment and improve shoulder mobility under load. The extended range of motion increases demand on shoulder stability and upper chest.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs with palms facing down
  • Keep a slight bend in your elbows and brace your core
  • Raise both dumbbells forward and upward in a smooth arc, continuing past shoulder height until they reach directly overhead
  • Hold briefly at the top with arms straight
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly under control back to the starting position in the same arc

Muscle Activation

Primary
Front shoulders
Secondary
Side shouldersUpper chestMiddle chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Standing Front Raise Above Head

The Dumbbell Standing Front Raise Above 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.