32-Y.O. Science-Based Bodybuilder Clears the Air on How to Perform Lateral Raises to Get Boulder Shoulder

Bodybuilders or even casual fitness enthusiasts often desire to grow their deltoids. That’s because the bigger deltoids contribute to developing an aesthetic upper body and make the v-tapered look more drastic. However, growing ‘boulder shoulders’ gets a bit tricky because the standard variation of the dumbbell lateral raises isn’t the best option. However, natural bodybuilder Jeff Nippard has you covered. 

The science-based bodybuilder explained that not all variations of the dumbbell later raises are created equal. While the standing dumbbell lateral raise is an accessible and tested exercise, it’s far from optimal. “There’s nothing wrong… but there might be a better way. That’s because the dumbbell has a circular resistance path,” said the bodybuilding influencer.

The standard variation “applies the most tension when the dumbbell is at the top and literally zero tension when the dumbbells at the bottom,” said Jeff Nippard. Exercise scientist Mike Israetel has highlighted that using the full range of motion and stretching the muscle is essential to driving hypertrophy. However, the standard variation doesn’t provide load when the medial deltoid is in the stretched position.

Holding on to something and leaning away from it has a similar problem. So, the science-based bodybuilder showed a third way. “If you lean in, all of a sudden the dumbbell provides tension in that stretch position,” said the Canadian. “I had to pick just one dumbbell option, it has to be the lean-in dumbbell lateral raise,” added Jeff Nippard.

Most bodybuilders use cable lateral raises to overcome the issues. However, the variation Jeff Nippard showed would come in handy when someone doesn’t have access to the machine that allows them to perform cable lateral raises. While Nippard often provides such tips, he recently received backlash from an experienced bodybuilder.

Getting criticized by an IFBB Pro bodybuilder

Former IFBB Pro turned bodybuilding coach Mike Van Wyck recently criticized Jeff Nippard for giving science-based training advice. After the fitness influencer made a video critiquing bodybuilding prodigy Sam Sulek, Wyck went on the offensive against Nippard. He said that the bodybuilder’s since-based advice didn’t mean much as Sulek had a better physique than him at 21.

The video went viral, and many fans couldn’t understand why Wyck disliked the natural bodybuilder. However, instead of excavating the feud, Jeff Nippard responded cleverly. Since the retired IFBB Pro said he didn’t have what it takes to advise a pro bodybuilder, Nippard did just that. The 32-year-old went to Pure Muscle + Fitness Gym, where he asked IFBB Pros if they would take training tips from a science-based lifter. Everyone agreed and was open to suggestions. 

While standing lateral raises may be the most common exercise for deltoids, Jeff Nippard showed a more optimal variation. Are you willing to give the lean-in lateral raises a try? Tell us in the comments.