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One-Arm Side Laterals

Shoulders Beginner Strength Dumbbell
One-Arm Side Laterals One-Arm Side Laterals
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Beginner
Force
Push
Mechanic
Isolation
Instructions
  1. Pick a dumbbell and place it in one of your hands. Your non lifting hand should be used to grab something steady such as an incline bench press. Lean towards your lifting arm and away from the hand that is gripping the incline bench as this will allow you to keep your balance.
  2. Stand with a straight torso and have the dumbbell by your side at arm's length with the palm of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.
  3. While maintaining the torso stationary (no swinging), lift the dumbbell to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and your hand slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arm is parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.
  4. Lower the dumbbell back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
  6. Switch arms and repeat the exercise.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the One-Arm Side Laterals work?

One-Arm Side Laterals primarily targets the Shoulders. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building shoulders development.

What equipment do I need for the One-Arm Side Laterals?

You will need a dumbbell to perform the One-Arm Side Laterals. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the One-Arm Side Laterals suitable for beginners?

Yes. The One-Arm Side Laterals is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the One-Arm Side Laterals a compound or isolation exercise?

The One-Arm Side Laterals is an isolation exercise that focuses on a single joint and muscle group. Isolation exercises are useful for targeting specific muscles, correcting imbalances, and adding focused volume. They are typically performed after compound movements in a workout.

How many sets and reps should I do for the One-Arm Side Laterals?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the One-Arm Side Laterals?

Good alternatives include the Alternating Cable Shoulder Press, Alternating Deltoid Raise, Alternating Kettlebell Press. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Shoulders) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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