If you’ve got a strong core already, side planks are a joke to you. But combine them with a lateral raise and both your shoulders and abs will be shocked—especially because you don’t need a heavy weight for either.
HOW TO DO IT:
1. Lie on your left side, with your left forearm and left foot supporting you. Grasp a dumbbell in your right hand.
2. Brace your abs and raise your hips off the floor. Raise the dumbbell up, but not directly overhead.
3. Go light. There’s no need to max out on weight. This is an isolation move requiring control.
Advantage: Every rep of the raise challenges your balance, making it harder to hold the side plank. Trying to control both movements make this a tough and advanced exercise.
QUICK TIP:
Perform the side plank with lateral raise at the end of a shoulder workout; go for 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps per side.
