GymPlan AI
Exercises › Shoulders › One-Arm Side Laterals

One-Arm Side Laterals

One-Arm Side Laterals is a beginner isolation dumbbell exercise that mainly works your shoulders.

💪 Shoulders🏋️ Dumbbell📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
One-Arm Side Laterals: starting position
Starting position
One-Arm Side Laterals: end position
End position

How to do the one-arm side laterals

  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.

Muscles worked

Primary: Shoulders

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Track your one-arm side laterals with GymPlan AI

Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.

Start your free trial

One-Arm Side Laterals alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Lateral RaiseDumbbell · BeginnerCar DriversBarbell · BeginnerCable Lateral RaiseCable · BeginnerReverse Machine FlyesMachine · BeginnerBand Pull ApartBand · BeginnerFront Plate RaiseOther · Intermediate

FAQ

What muscles does the one-arm side laterals work?

It mainly works your shoulders.

How many sets and reps of one-arm side laterals should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the one-arm side laterals good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

More shoulders exercises →