Lever Isolateral Lateral Raise (plate loaded)
The Lever Isolateral Lateral Raise (plate loaded) primarily works the Lateral Deltoid, with secondary activation of the Anterior Deltoid, Serratus Anterior, Supraspinatus, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Levator Scapulae, Trapezius (Upper). It is a machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Lever Isolateral Lateral Raise (plate loaded) is an beginner isolation exercise performed with machine, following a abduction movement pattern. It primarily targets the Lateral Deltoid, with secondary engagement of the Anterior Deltoid, Serratus Anterior, Supraspinatus, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle). This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A machine isolation pull exercise targeting the Lateral Deltoid.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Abduction |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Lateral Deltoid |
| Secondary | Anterior Deltoid, Serratus Anterior, Supraspinatus, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) |
Muscles Worked
The Lateral Deltoid is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Anterior Deltoid, Serratus Anterior, Supraspinatus, Trapezius (Lower), and Trapezius (Middle) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Levator Scapulae, Trapezius (Upper) act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Lateral Deltoid (shoulders)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Anterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Serratus Anterior (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Supraspinatus (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Stabilizer Muscle Trapezius (Upper) (back)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Sit in machine.
- Situate bent arms between padded lever and sides of body.
Execution
- Raise arms to sides until upper arms are horizontal.
- Return and repeat.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Lead with your heel rather than your toes to maximize hip abductor engagement.
- Avoid leaning your torso to compensate — keep it upright throughout.
- Control the return; don't let the resistance pull you back quickly.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–4 sets × 6–8 reps at 75–85% 1RM with 90–120 seconds rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 sets × 10–15 reps at 60–75% 1RM with 60–90 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–3 sets × 15–25 reps at 40–60% 1RM with 30–45 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Lateral Deltoid) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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