Lu Raise Guide: Master the Full-Range Lateral Raise

Learn how to perform the Lu Raise with proper form to build shoulder stability, increase overhead mobility, and target the lateral deltoids.

How to Perform

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a light weight in each hand at your sides with palms facing inward.
  2. Engage your core and maintain a slight bend in your elbows as you begin lifting the weights out to your sides.
  3. Continue the upward arc past shoulder height, rotating your palms to face upward as the weights move toward the ceiling.
  4. Bring the weights together directly overhead until they nearly touch, maintaining a controlled and fluid motion.
  5. Reverse the movement along the same wide arc, slowly lowering the weights back to the starting position at your hips.
  6. Control the descent entirely to ensure constant tension across the shoulder girdle throughout the full range of motion.

Common Mistakes

  • Using excessive weight that forces the use of momentum or a swinging torso.
  • Stopping the movement at shoulder height instead of completing the full overhead arc.
  • Failing to rotate the palms upward during the second half of the lift.
  • Shrugging the shoulders excessively toward the ears at the start of the movement.

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Lateral Deltoids

Stabilizers

  • Trapezius
  • Anterior Deltoids
  • Serratus Anterior
  • Rotator Cuff

Related Guides

Lateral Deltoids · Shoulders