The lateral raise is a core training staple that can build stability and strength in your shoulders—but are you sure you're even doing the exercise correctly?

For this basic gym necessity, you shouldn't settle for anything other than perfect form—especially because it's such a simple, essential movement that should serve as one of the centerpieces of your training plan. Let Men's Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and associate fitness editor Brett Williams guide you through the move's subtleties, saving you from the bad habits that are keeping you from unlocking your fitness potential.

Before you grab a set of dumbbells and start swinging them around, take note that it's extremely important to pay attention the movement here. You'll miss out on the potential shoulder gains and open yourself up to injury if you use too much body momentum and wind up using the wrong muscles to do the work.