Straight Raises On Incline Bench

This move has you lying back on an incline bench and lifting dumbbells with long, straight arms. Think of a bear reaching paws up a tree branch, steady and controlled, while your front shoulders and upper chest do the hard work.

Instructions

1. Set an incline bench to about 30 to 45 degrees.
2. Lie back holding dumbbells by your thighs with palms facing in.
3. Raise the weights forward with straight arms until they reach shoulder height.
4. Pause briefly at the top without shrugging your shoulders.
5. Lower the weights slowly back to the start.
6. Repeat for the planned number of reps.

Benefits

• Builds stronger front shoulders
• Helps with overhead lifting strength
• Adds upper chest work
• Improves shoulder control
• Good for focused shoulder training

Key Points

• Keep a slight bend in your elbows
• Lift with control, not momentum
• Keep your shoulders down
• Stop at shoulder height
• Keep your head relaxed on the bench

Common Mistakes

• Swinging the weights up
• Shrugging the shoulders
• Bending the elbows too much
• Lowering too fast
• Lifting past shoulder height