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StrengthIntermediate
Seated Bent-Over Rear Delt Raise
Equipment
Dumbbell
Target Muscles
Shoulders
Category
Strength
Muscle Group
Shoulders
Force Type
pull
Mechanics
isolation
Target Muscles
Shoulders
Breathing
Exhale as you pull the weight toward your body, inhale as you extend back to the start.
Common Mistakes
- •Rushing through reps instead of using a controlled tempo
- •Holding your breath during the movement
- •Not using the full range of motion
Safety Tips
- •Always warm up properly before attempting this exercise
- •Stop immediately if you feel sharp or joint pain
- •Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
Variations
- •Perform one arm at a time to fix strength imbalances
- •Try a neutral grip to reduce shoulder strain
- •Increase the range of motion by using a bench that allows a deeper stretch
Alternatives
- •Choose another exercise that targets the shoulders
Progressions
- •Increase the weight by 5-10% once you can complete all reps with clean form
- •Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to 3-4 seconds
- •Reduce rest periods between sets to increase workout density
- •Add an extra set or rep each week (progressive overload)
- •Try the same exercise with a barbell instead of dumbbells to handle heavier loads
Regressions
- •Reduce the weight to focus strictly on technique
- •Decrease the range of motion if you feel joint discomfort
- •Increase rest intervals to ensure full recovery between sets
- •Perform with just the bar or light dumbbells to groove the movement pattern
Beginner Tips
- •Master proper form before increasing weight
- •Focus on slow, controlled movements — don't chase speed
- •Start with 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps to build a solid foundation
Pro Tips
- Implement progressive overload by tracking every session and adding small increments
- Breathe deliberately — exhale during the hardest part of the movement
- Warm up with lighter sets of the same exercise to prime the nervous system