Dumbbell Lateral Raise: Are you swinging your body to raise your arms?
Keep your torso still and raise only your arms out to the sides. Do not swing your body to create momentum.
How to fix it
- Stand with the dumbbells beside your thighs.
- Keep your body still and move only your arms.
- Raise your arms out to the sides to shoulder height, then slowly lower them.
The app sets the reps for your next set
(For exercises you added to your routine yourself) For example, if you are a beginner and completed all 13 reps in each set with a 4kg dumbbell in each hand as planned in your last workout, the app keeps the weight the same and increases your reps to 14. When you log your sets, GYMKC reads your last set and recalculates the weight and reps for your next set.
Get GYMKC on the App StoreShould you fully straighten your elbows?
Sources differ. One study had participants lift with their elbows fully straight. Some sources suggest lifting with them slightly bent. Either way, keep the angle of your elbows the same as you lift.
See this exercise in detail
More on the same body part
Sources
- NSCA, Basics of Strength and Conditioning
- ACE, Exercise Library · Lateral Raise
- ExRx.net, Common Resistance Training Mistakes
- Mayo Clinic, Weight training: Do's and don'ts of proper technique
- Larsen S et al., Frontiers in Physiology (2025)
- Coratella G et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020)
This article is based on our analysis of public content from evidence-based training experts in Korea and abroad. It is not a substitute for medical advice.