Dumbbell Side Lying External Rotation (on a bench)

Lie on your side on a bench with your legs extended and feet together. Hold a dumbbell in the top hand, keeping your elbow bent at 90 degrees.

  1. Start with your forearm resting on the bench, palm facing your body.
  2. Rotate your shoulder to lift the dumbbell towards the ceiling, keeping your elbow close to your side.
  3. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner.

How to perform the Dumbbell Side Lying External Rotation (on a bench)

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Side Lying External Rotation (on a bench) using your dumbbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your latissimus dorsi.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your latissimus dorsi rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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Variations of Dumbbell Side Lying External Rotation (on a bench)

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