Lean-Away Lateral Raise

Technique

The lean-away lateral raise is a one-arm lateral raise performed while holding a post or rack with the free hand and leaning the body away from it. The lean changes the angle of resistance so the side delt is loaded from the very bottom of the movement, where a normal lateral raise is almost unloaded.

Steps

1. Hold a sturdy upright with one hand and a dumbbell in the other, with your feet close to the post
2. Lean your body away until the working arm hangs a little in front of your hips
3. Raise the dumbbell out to the side with a slight bend in the elbow until the arm is about parallel to the floor
4. Lower slowly to the start without letting the dumbbell touch your leg

Common mistakes

• Swinging the body to throw the weight up
• Shrugging the shoulder toward the ear as the arm rises

Variations

• Lean-away cable lateral raise
• Seated one-arm lateral raise

FAQ