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Head-On-Bench Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise 101 Video Tutorial

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Head-On-Bench Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
Head-On-Bench Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise

Exercise Synopsis

Target Muscle Group

Shoulders

Secondary Targets

Execution

Isolation

Force Type

Pull

Required Equipment

Dumbbell

Fitness Level

Intermediate

Variations

None

Timer

Hour

Minute

Second

Stopwatch

00:00:00:00

Overview

This variation of the rear delt raise uses a chest-supported (head-on-bench) position to reduce lower back strain and isolate the rear deltoids. It’s a strict movement that limits cheating or momentum, increasing rear shoulder and trap activation. It also helps improve posture and upper back aesthetics.

How to Perform

  1. Set up an incline bench and lie chest-down with your head resting on the top.

  2. Hold dumbbells with a neutral grip, arms hanging straight down.

  3. With a slight bend in your elbows, lift the dumbbells out to the sides.

  4. Raise until your arms are parallel to the floor.

  5. Pause briefly, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

  6. Lower the dumbbells slowly back to the start.

  7. Repeat for the desired reps.

  8. Exhale as you raise, inhale as you lower.

★  Bonus: For exercises that involve external weights (such as dumbbells, barbells, or machines), the One Rep Max (1RM) calculator can help you estimate your maximum lifting capacity. Use it to track your strength progress and adjust your training for optimal results.

Tips

  1. Keep your chest and forehead firmly in contact with the bench.

  2. Avoid lifting too high; stop at shoulder level.

  3. Use controlled motion—no swinging.

  4. Maintain slight elbow bend to avoid joint stress.

  5. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top.

How Not to Perform

  1. Don’t arch your back off the bench.

  2. Don’t use heavy weights that compromise form.

  3. Don’t shrug—let your rear delts do the lifting.

  4. Don’t swing your arms or bounce at the bottom.

  5. Don’t hyperextend your elbows or lock your joints.

Variations

Variations of fitness exercises refer to different ways of performing a specific exercise or movement to target various muscle groups, intensities, or goals. These variations aim to challenge the body differently, prevent plateaus, and cater to individuals with varying fitness levels.

Alternatives

Alternative exercises in fitness refer to different movements or activities that target similar muscle groups or serve the same training purpose as the primary exercise. These alternative exercises can be used as substitutes when the original exercise is unavailable or challenging to perform due to various reasons such as equipment limitations, injuries, or personal preferences.

EQUIPMENT

Dumbbell

EXECUTION

Isolation

FITNESS LEVEL

Beginner

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