Lateral raise
How to do it: Stand holding a light dumbbell in each hand. Slowly lift the dumbbells out to the side until they reach shoulder height – no higher – and resist the urge to cheat by swinging the weight. Pause, then lower back to your sides, slowly – you'll build more muscle fighting gravity than letting it do the work for you.
How heavy should a lateral raise be?
You don't need much room or equipment to perform a side lateral raise. All you need is a set of dumbbells (start with a pair between 5 to 15 pounds if you're a beginner), and enough space to raise your arms in a "T" formation out to each side. Stand tall, a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, your palms facing in.