Shoulders shrug on every raise
Upper traps dominate; medial delt underactivates.
Overactive muscles
Upper trapeziusLevator scapulae
Corrective work
Foam RollUpper traps↗StretchLevator scapulae stretch↗Push · Upper Body
Seated Lateral Raise
Coaching cues
- Sit at the edge of a bench; dumbbells at sides
- Lead with elbows; raise to shoulder height only
- Slight forward lean to keep medial delt in optimal angle
- Lower under control — 3-second eccentric
Common faults 2
Arms raised above shoulder height
Upper trap takes over above 90°; impingement risk.
Overactive muscles
Upper trapezius
Corrective work
Foam RollUpper traps↗StretchUpper trap stretch↗