Working on your deltoids is a great way to tone your shoulders and bulk up. However, you may find that the standard front raise move is not for you. We have found a variety of dumbbell front raise alternatives to switch up your workout routine.
Table of Contents
7 Best Dumbbell Front Raise Alternatives (Strength Substitutes)
1. Resistance Band Front Raise
This move is similar to a full-frontal raise but uses resistance bands instead. This can be incredibly handy for those with little space, no home gym, or who are traveling. Resistance bands provide greater resistance at the top of the motion, which can help you feel satisfied once done.
How to perform resistance band front raises:
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2. Barbell Front Raise
Barbell front raises can be performed with your palms facing down or up; up requires much more wrist strength, so bear that in mind. This move is an excellent way to isolate your front deltoids and feel the burn.
How to perform barbell front raises:
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3. Incline Barbell Front Raise
This is a great way to shake things up and get your core involved in your workout. We recommend lying back on a half-seated bench at the gym for this one, but some choose to lie on their front to help them maintain a straight back throughout. Make sure to keep your back straight and engage your core and glutes.
How to perform an incline barbell front raise:
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4. Side-Lying Lateral Band Raise
The side-lying lateral band raise is an excellent move that works your lateral head without straining your shoulder joint or spine. Remember to focus on your form and choose lighter weights. You can try this move with a looped resistance band hooked around your foot if you prefer.
How to perform a side-lying lateral band raise:

5. Cable Front Raise
Cable front raises do a great job at providing constant tension that is harder at the beginning but gets easier towards the end of each rep. This is another excellent isolation move.
How to perform a cable front raise:

6. Knee-Up with Overhead Reach
For those who can’t get enough cardio, knee-ups with overhead reaches could be an excellent way to shake things up. This is a plyometric cardio workout that works your whole body while building your shoulders.
How to perform a knee up with overhead reach:

7. Alternating Dumbbell Front Raises With Hold
We recommend doing these two exercises one after the other. Using lower weights is also an excellent way to build strength without overdoing it. Remember to keep your core braced and focus on perfecting your form. It is possible to do this move with resistance bands if you are traveling or don’t have free weights at home.
How to perform alternating dumbbell front raises:

Benefits of Alternative Exercises Over Dumbbell Front Raises
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to find an alternative to performing dumbbell front raises. Maybe you're traveling and only have resistance bands, or you don’t have a fully stocked home gym. Using alternative methods like these can help inspire you, avoiding that old mindless routine that is so easy to fall into.
These exercises provide a different feeling with similar effects, engaging your mind as well as your body. Beginners and veterans alike can find something to love if dumbbell front raises just aren’t cutting it anymore.
Frequently Asked Dumbbell Front Raise Questions
Are dumbbell front raises dangerous?
Not at all, provided you listen to your body and take care of yourself. Make sure to slowly increase the resistance level over time and keep the moves in line with your shoulders. Maintain proper form and rest well to see your desired results.
What is the easiest exercise on our list?
This is a tricky one to answer without knowing your fitness level. However, we do recommend giving these a try if you can – experiment with different reps, holding times, and weight levels to see what challenges you without overdoing it.
Conclusion
Dumbbell straight arm front raises are not for everyone. Whether you find them stale or want to use different equipment, there are plenty of alt front raise moves for any fitness level. Give these a try and feel the burn on your next arm day.
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Last Updated on March 17, 2023