Shoulder · Strengthening

Horizontal Shoulder Abduction Against Gravity

Horizontal shoulder abduction against gravity, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, arm extended, controlled movement

Illustration of the Horizontal Shoulder Abduction Against Gravity exercise

Listen to the instructions

How to do the exercise

Sets: 3

Repetitions: 10

Description: Stand or sit with your arm extended in front of you at shoulder height. Slowly move your arm outward, maintaining control of the movement, until reaching your maximum comfortable range. Gently return to the starting position without jerks.

Tips: Keep the arm well extended and avoid shrugging the shoulder. Control the speed to effectively engage the shoulder muscles.

Progression: Gradually increase the number of repetitions or add a light weight as the movement becomes easier.

At a glance

Goal
Strengthening
Level
Beginner
Equipment
none
Starting position
Standing or sitting, arm extended in front at shoulder height
Clinical goal
Strengthen shoulder muscles
Also known as
lateral shoulder raise, shoulder abduction with extended arm, horizontal shoulder movement

Precautions

Avoid this exercise, or check with your physiotherapist first, if you have:

Are you a physiotherapist?

Add this exercise to a personalised program in Physia: the AI builds the program in 30 seconds from the condition, then you send it to your patient by link, QR code or email.

Patient? Ask your physio to send your program to the free Physia Move app. Open Physia Move

Similar exercises — Shoulder

See all shoulder exercises →

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor before starting, especially if you have pain, a recent injury or have had surgery.