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Shoulders exercise · dumbbell

Dumbbell Incline Raise

The dumbbell incline raise is a dumbbell exercise that targets the shoulders (deltoids), with the trapezius and triceps assisting.

Animated demonstration of the dumbbell incline raise
Dumbbell Incline Raise — demonstration
Target muscle
Delts
Also works
Trapezius, triceps
Equipment
Dumbbell
Body part
Shoulders

How to do the dumbbell incline raise

  1. Sit on an incline bench with a dumbbell in each hand, resting on your thighs.
  2. Lean back on the bench and raise the dumbbells to shoulder height, palms facing forward.
  3. Keeping your back against the bench, exhale and raise the dumbbells above your head, fully extending your arms.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, then inhale and slowly lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the shoulders (deltoids). The trapezius and triceps work as secondary muscles. See all shoulder exercises or every dumbbell exercise.

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