Dumbbell Set | Dumbbell exercise chart. Fitness Equipment

The front raise effectively recruits the front head of the shoulder muscle due to the flexion of the shoulder. Front raises can be performed with a whole variety of training equipment, including a barbell, large weight plate, cable, or dumbbells. The dumbbells provide a unilateral option, with greater freedom and range of motion.

The dumbbell front raise can be performed in an alternating fashion, with each shoulder working at a time, or it can be executed with both dumbbells lifted at the same time. The alternating raise may be wiser once heavier loads are lifted, providing more satiability during the life for greater form. Some may choose to perform the exercise whilst they have their back to a wall. By performing the exercise with the trainers back to a wall ensures the torso remains completely erect and stationary throughout the movement, increasing stress to the target muscle and reducing additional body movements which may aid the lift.

Whilst this exercise is typically performed with the body upright and erect, it can also be performed on an incline bench. The trainer sets an adjustable bench to a suitable incline angle, say 45 degrees, and lays face down so the torso is supported by the bench, and the head and shoulders are over hanging the top and sides. Whilst grasping two dumbbells, the arms are raises to the front, in the same movement as a standing front raise.

Those who suffer from muscle imbalance of the shoulders may wish to perform the dumbbell variation of this exercise. The dumbbells provide a unilateral method of training the front deltoid head, resulting in each shoulder receiving equal stress. Another option would be to perform the front-raise using a D-handle attachment on a low cable pulley, executing the exercise with one arm at a time.

Those who are looking for gains in muscle size, and wish to isolate the front head of the shoulder, will benefit from implementing this exercise within their training routines. A moderate repetition range would likely prove fruitful for muscle hypertrophy (growth).

Article Source: EzineArticles.com