Incline Side Lateral Raise

Incline Side Lateral Raise is an intermediate isolation pull using dumbbell, bench. It loads Shoulders.

Why this lift

The Incline Side Lateral Raise is a intermediate isolation pull lift. It primarily loads Shoulders. Traps help. You need dumbbell, bench. Most programs place it after your main compounds, as accessory work. You may also hear it called Incline Side Lateral Raises.

Presses and raises cover the delts. A little lateral-raise volume goes further than turning every press into a max attempt. Once the pattern feels automatic, most programs keep this as a weekly staple.

Muscles worked

• Primary: Shoulders
• Secondary: Traps

Setup

• Stand or sit tall with dumbbell, bench. Soft elbows, ribs down.

How to do it

1. Raise to the target height. Lead with Shoulders, not momentum.
2. Lower on a slow count.

Coaching cues

• Pinkies slightly up on laterals; thumbs up on front raises.
• No swinging.

Common mistakes

• Using the traps and leaning back. Lighter load; pause at the top.

How to program it

Treat the Incline Side Lateral Raise as accessory work: 2–4 sets after your main compounds, enough to feel the target muscle without stealing recovery from the big lifts.

If the Incline Side Lateral Raise does not agree with you, Arnold Press trains Shoulders with a different setup.

Related lifts

• Arnold Press Shoulders
• Barbell Front Raise Shoulders
• Barbell Push Press Shoulders
• Barbell Upright Row Shoulders
• Barbell Z Press Shoulders
• Behind the Back Barbell Overhead Press Shoulders

FAQ

What muscles does the Incline Side Lateral Raise work?

The Incline Side Lateral Raise works Shoulders (primary), Traps (secondary).

What equipment do I need for the Incline Side Lateral Raise?

You need dumbbell, bench.

Is the Incline Side Lateral Raise suitable for beginners?

Not as a first-week lift. The Incline Side Lateral Raise is marked intermediate — learn a simpler variation from the related lifts below, then come back.