Seated Rear Lateral Raise
Seated Rear Lateral Raise demonstration
Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.
Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Seated Rear Lateral Raise
Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.
- Bend forward at your waist until your chest is nearly parallel to the floor, letting your arms hang straight down from your shoulders.
- Keeping your torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your sides while keeping the elbows slightly bent, continue to lift until your arms are parallel to the floor.
- Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.
- Repeat this movement for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring to maintain the slight bend in your elbows throughout the exercise.
Tips for Performing Seated Rear Lateral Raise
Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.
- Control Your Movements: Avoid swinging the weights or using momentum to lift them. This not only reduces the effectiveness of the exercise but can also lead to injuries. Raise the weights in a slow, controlled manner, and lower them the same way.
- Keep Your Arms Slightly Bent: Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbows throughout the exercise. This helps to prevent strain on the elbow joint and ensures that the focus remains on the deltoids.
- Don't Lift Too High: A common mistake is lifting the weights too high, which can put undue stress on the shoulders. Raise the weights until your arms are parallel to
Can beginners do the Seated Rear Lateral Raise?
A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.
Yes, beginners can do the Seated Rear Lateral Raise exercise. However, it's important to start with light weights to ensure correct form and prevent injury. This exercise targets the rear deltoids and can help improve shoulder stability and strength. It's always a good idea to have a trainer or experienced gym-goer demonstrate the exercise first to ensure you're performing it correctly.
What are common variations of the Seated Rear Lateral Raise?
Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.
- Bent-Over Rear Lateral Raise: In this variation, you bend over at the waist while either standing or sitting, allowing you to target the rear deltoids from a different angle.
- Lying Rear Lateral Raise: This version is performed while lying face down on a bench, which can help isolate the rear deltoids and minimize the involvement of other muscles.
- Incline Bench Rear Lateral Raise: For this variation, you lie face down on an inclined bench. This changes the angle of the exercise and can provide a deeper stretch and contraction in the rear deltoids.
- Single-Arm Rear Lateral Raise: This variation is performed one arm at a time, which can help address any muscle imbalances and allows you to focus on the form and contraction of each individual side.


