Kettlebell Seated Lateral Raise - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Kettlebell Seated Lateral Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Kettlebell Seated Lateral Raise.

EasySide shoulders

About this exercise

The kettlebell seated lateral raise targets the medial (side) deltoids by raising kettlebells out to the sides while seated, which eliminates trunk sway and leg drive to enforce strict isolation. It is a foundational shoulder exercise for building width and roundness in the deltoids.

How to Perform

  • Sit upright on a bench with a kettlebell in each hand resting on your thighs, palms facing inward
  • Brace your core and maintain a tall, upright posture
  • With a slight bend in your elbows, raise both kettlebells out to your sides in a wide arc until your arms are at shoulder height
  • Lead with your elbows rather than your wrists throughout the movement
  • Pause briefly at the top, then lower the kettlebells slowly back to the starting position
  • Repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Side shoulders
Secondary
Front shouldersTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Kettlebell Seated Lateral Raise

The Kettlebell Seated Lateral Raise 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.