Lu Raises Are Incredible For Shoulders — Key Takeaways
The Lu raise — a full-range lateral raise taken overhead with arms in the scapular plane (30–45° forward) — isolates lateral delts more effectively than standard laterals while also strengthening the rotator cuff and serratus anterior.
Key takeaways
Lu raises use full ROM to overhead, not the standard 90-degree stop
Lu raises use full ROM to overhead, not the standard 90-degree stop
- Arms abduct all the way overhead with complete scapular movement, rotating up and back — seated to fix torso.
- Scapular plane (30–45° forward from sides) aligns with lateral delt fiber direction for maximal recruitment and contraction.
Lead with elbows, finish with a shrug to fully engage scapula on Lu raises
Lead with elbows, finish with a shrug to fully engage scapula on Lu raises
- The shrug at the top confirms full scapular involvement — trap activation here is intentional, not a form error.
- Slight elbow bend used throughout for strength and joint comfort.
Lu raises strengthen rotator cuff and serratus anterior, improving overhead stability
Lu raises strengthen rotator cuff and serratus anterior, improving overhead stability
- Full-ROM scapular elevation recruits stabilizers often missed by standard laterals, credited with resolving chronic shoulder pain.
This Dig holds the full set of insights, 4 flashcards, and 2 quotes — free in Homestake.
Unlock this Dig freeFree forever · No credit card required
In this video
- 1mIntroducing the Lu Raise
- 1mExecution and Intensity
- 1mArm Path and Scapular Plane Technique
- 2mWhy the Arm Path Maximizes Lateral Delt Recruitment
- 2mBonus Benefits and Program Pitch
“the lu raise will humble you”
This page is a partial, transformative summary produced by Homestake. All rights to the original content remain with its creator — please support them at the source link above.
