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Do front raises work abs?

Author

Noah Mitchell

Published Jan 24, 2026

Although the anterior delts get the brunt of the work with front raises, a number of secondary muscles get targeted as well for stabilization. The trapezius, erector spinae, biceps, pectorals, rotator cuff, serratus anterior and abs are examples.

What muscles does a front raise work?

Front dumbbell raises primarily target the front of the shoulders, known as the anterior deltoid. This muscle is used in shoulder flexion. Front dumbbell raises also work the lateral (side) deltoid and the serratus anterior, along with the upper and lower trapezius, clavicular part of the pectoralis major, and biceps.

Is it worth doing front raises?

The front raise primarily strengthens the shoulder muscles (deltoids), but also works the upper chest (pectorals). It is an isolation exercise for shoulder flexion and can help you build strength and definition in the front and sides of your shoulders.

Are front raises useless?

The assumption that front deltoid raises are unnecessary — the logic being that the anterior head is already getting all the work it needs from military presses and benches, so adding front delt raises would only result in overtraining — is bogus.

What does front raises help with?

Front Dumbbell Raises primarily target the front of the shoulders, known as the anterior deltoid. This muscle is used in shoulder flexion. Front dumbbell raises also work the lateral (side) deltoid and the serratus anterior, along with the upper and lower trapezius, clavicular part of the pectoralis major, and biceps.

45 related questions found

What's better lateral raises or front raises?

Lateral raises mainly target your middle delt, Schumacher says. While lateral raises are generally easier to perform than forward raises (read more on that below), keeping good form is essential to reaping the most benefit. Lateral raises are an important part of your shoulder routine.

Why are lateral raises so hard?

It's an isolation exercise

Lateral raises are an isolation exercise, meaning they are predominantly powered by one muscle. In this instance, it's the deltoid – the shoulder. “Isolation exercises will typically feel harder,” Chrismas says. “That's because you can't use multiple muscles to create force.

What is the best shoulder exercise?

Best Shoulder Exercises

  • Barbell Overhead Press.
  • Half-Kneeling Landmine Press.
  • Arnold Press.
  • Push Press.
  • Bottoms-Up Kettlebell Press.
  • Wide-Grip Seated Row.
  • Leaning Lateral Raise.
  • Incline Y Raise.

What is a reverse fly exercise?

Lean forward, letting your arms hang down next to your calves with your elbows slightly bent. Slowly raise the weights until your elbows are level with your shoulders. Then slowly lower the weights to the starting position. You'll feel tension in your shoulders and the muscles across your upper back.

How many lateral raises should I do?

Aim for 10-12 reps with perfect form. Selecting the correct weight is key to doing lateral raises properly and safely. You'll find that even with relatively light weights, the last few raises are a real challenge, so there's no need to try to impress by grabbing the heaviest dumbbell.

What do Arnold presses work?

The Arnold press uses dumbbells to work many of the main muscle groups in your upper body, including the triceps, trapezius, and the delts. In particular, the Arnold press is a comprehensive exercise to build shoulder muscles.

Do front raises work the rotator cuff?

Although the anterior delts get the brunt of the work with front raises, a number of secondary muscles get targeted as well for stabilization. The trapezius, erector spinae, biceps, pectorals, rotator cuff, serratus anterior and abs are examples.

What muscles do shrugs work?

The main muscles that shoulder shrugs target are the trapezius muscles. These muscles are located on either side of your neck. They control the movement of your shoulder blades as well as your upper back and neck.

Should you do reverse flys?

Reverse flys are a useful isolation exercise that can prepare you for more complex compound exercises like deadlifts, bench presses, and inverted rows. With proper form, the reverse fly exercise can also activate your triceps, rhomboids, infraspinatus muscle, and other scapular muscles around your shoulder blades.

What's hammer curls?

The hammer curl, also known as the dumbbell hammer curl or the neutral grip dumbbell curl, is a strength training exercise that targets your biceps and forearms. The hammer curl varies from the traditional bicep curl by using a neutral grip with your palms facing each other during the full range of motion.

What are the worst shoulder exercises?

The 5 Worst Shoulder Exercises are:

  • Lateral raises with Palm Down or Thumb Down.
  • Behind the Head Shoulder Press.
  • Shoulder Upright Rows.
  • Triceps Bench Dips.
  • Single Arm Rows.

How do I get ripped shoulders?

Workout Description

  1. Seated Rack Barbell Press – 5 sets of 5 reps. ...
  2. Seated Lateral Raise – 4 sets of 10 reps. ...
  3. Superset: Upright Rows & Face Pulls – 3 sets of 15 reps. ...
  4. Alternate Machine Shoulder Press – 4 sets of 12 reps. ...
  5. Machine Shrug – 3 sets of 15 reps.

Do push ups build shoulders?

Traditional pushups are beneficial for building upper body strength. They work the triceps, pectoral muscles, and shoulders. When done with proper form, they can also strengthen the lower back and core by engaging (pulling in) the abdominal muscles.

Are lateral raises useless?

The Lateral Raise

The lateral raise just isn't necessary. DO THIS INSTEAD: The muscle clean and press. This may be the best shoulder builder of all time, and it works so many other muscles that it's also one of the most efficient moves you can do in a time-crunch workout.

Are lat raises Safe?

This is a simple exercise, but many people completely butcher it. The result is a move that looks like a Lateral Raise, but is more likely to cause shoulder pain and scare people away from the exercise. But if done correctly, it's a safe and effective way to develop your shoulders.

Are heavy lateral raises good?

Though commonly viewed as a physique-focused exercise, the benefits of the lateral raise extend beyond that of muscle hypertrophy. When performed well, the lateral raise also improves shoulder health, reinforces proper bracing and stability, and teaches the user to isolate individual muscle groups.

Why cables are better than free weights?

“Cables are a lot more fluid and smooth than free weights,” says Sims. “Using a series of pulleys means you're less likely to get hurt as you don't directly push or pull against the force of gravity,” explains Sims. This puts less stress on your joints for safer sets and reps.

Why did Egyptians do lateral raises?

The Egyptian lateral raise makes an excellent high repetition, low weight exercise. Because of its superior deltoid engagement, this is a high rep exercise that actually can result in hypertrophy. This exercise can be done at home or at the gym. If you are home, your options are a bit more limited.

Are biceps important?

Strong biceps play an important role in an overall strong and functional upper body. Building bicep strength helps you perform everyday tasks such as carrying and lifting. There are some unique tips to know for optimal biceps training to make the most of your workouts. Some people simply use too much weight.

Are shrugs pointless?

Shoulder Shrugs

It's just useless. Like the bicep, the traps are a small muscle, that can be worked more effectively whilst doing other bigger compound multi joint exercises like deadlifts, rows and overhead presses that will also work bigger main muscles like your lats and deltoids.