Shoulder Raise

A beginner stretching exercise for the shoulders, done with just your bodyweight.

Main muscles: Shoulders
Also works: Lats
Equipment: Bodyweight
Level: Beginner
Movement: Pull

How to do the Shoulder Raise

Relax your arms to your sides and raise your shoulders up toward your ears, then back down.

Sets and reps

Mobility	2–3 holds of 20–40 seconds each side

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Shoulder Raise

Questions

What muscles does the Shoulder Raise work?

Mainly the shoulders, with the lats helping.

Is the Shoulder Raise good for beginners?

Yes. It's rated a beginner exercise: start light and learn the movement before adding weight.

What can I do instead of the Shoulder Raise?

Good alternatives that train the shoulders: Shoulder Circles, Shoulder Stretch, Upward Stretch or Arm Circles.

How many sets and reps of the Shoulder Raise should I do?

Mobility: 2–3 holds of 20–40 seconds each side.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).