Shoulders · Resistance Band
Resistance Band Lateral Raise
How to do the resistance band lateral raise, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Resistance Band
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Extension
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Step on a resistance band and grip the ends. Raise your arms to the sides, keeping a slight bend in your elbows, then lower.
- 1Feel your lateral delts burning as you lift your arms to shoulder height
- 2Keep a slight bend in your elbows and lead with your elbows, not your wrists
- 3Maintain constant tension on the band through the full range
Common mistakes
- Avoid swinging your body or using momentum; lift under control
- Don't raise your shoulders toward your ears; keep them down and relaxed
- Avoid going above shoulder height; stop when arms are parallel to the floor
Muscles worked
The resistance band lateral raise mainly works the side delts, with the upper traps assisting.
- Side DeltsPrimary
- Upper TrapsSupport
- ForearmsMinor
Kovo programs the resistance band lateral raise for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More shoulders exercises
- How to do the battle rope alternating waves
- How to do the arm circles
- How to do the arnold press
- How to do the resistance band front raise
- How to do the resistance band overhead press
- How to do the resistance band pull-aparts
Last reviewed April 2026.