Towel Lateral Raise
Build shoulder strength with this low-impact, accessible exercise! Use a towel and wall for lateral raises anywhere, anytime.
The Towel Lateral Raise mainly works the shoulders, with help from the traps. You'll need: towel.
Required Equipment
Towel Lateral Raise Muscles Worked
Primary
Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid)
Secondary
Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)
Towel Lateral Raise Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Towel Lateral Raise
Stand perpendicular to a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a towel with one hand, gripping one end so the length of the towel hangs down.
Place the foot closest to the wall slightly in front of the other for stability, and position the hand holding the towel against the wall at about shoulder height, with the towel running alongside the body.
Without moving your torso, push against the wall by trying to lift your arm sideways while gripping the towel. Keep a slight bend in your elbow.
Push firmly enough to feel tension in your shoulder muscles, particularly the lateral deltoids, but not so hard that you cause discomfort or pain.
Hold this position for a specified duration, or perform dynamic movements by pressing and releasing for multiple repetitions.
After completing a set, switch sides and repeat the exercise with the other arm.
Ensure that your movements are controlled, and your posture is straight during the exercise.
The resistance in this exercise comes from the isometric tension created by pushing against the immovable object (the wall) through the towel, engaging the target muscle group effectively without dynamic motion.
Towel Lateral Raise FAQs
What muscles does the Towel Lateral Raise work?
The Towel Lateral Raise mainly works the shoulders, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the lateral deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Towel Lateral Raise?
Towel.
What workout day should the Towel Lateral Raise go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Towel Lateral Raise variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Against-Wall Shoulder Flexion, Towel Figure 8, Alternating Against-Wall Arm Raise and Towel Pass Through.
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