The lateral raise is the go-to isolation exercise for the side delts, the muscle that gives your shoulders width and that capped, round look. It’s simple and it works, but it isn’t the only way to train the lateral head.
You might want an alternative because the dumbbells at your gym jump in weight too quickly, your shoulders get cranky from the strict dumbbell version, you’re training at home, or you just want a fresh stimulus. The good news is the side delt responds to a lot of different angles and tools.
Here are the 8 alternatives I reach for most, picked for how well they load the side delt, how easy they are to progress, and what equipment they need. I’ll tell you when to use each one and exactly how to do it.
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