Exercise Comparison
Alternating Deltoid Raise vs Arm Circles
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Arm Circles
Instructions
Alternating Deltoid Raise
In a standing position, hold a pair of dumbbells at your side.
Keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise the weights directly in front of you to shoulder height, avoiding any swinging or cheating.
Return the weights to your side.
On the next repetition, raise the weights laterally, raising them out to your side to about shoulder height.
Return the weights to the starting position and continue alternating to the front and side.
Arm Circles
Stand up and extend your arms straight out by the sides. The arms should be parallel to the floor and perpendicular (90-degree angle) to your torso. This will be your starting position.
Slowly start to make circles of about 1 foot in diameter with each outstretched arm. Breathe normally as you perform the movement.
Continue the circular motion of the outstretched arms for about ten seconds. Then reverse the movement, going the opposite direction.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Deltoid Raise is a beginner exercise using dumbbell, while Arm Circles is beginner and uses none. Choose Alternating Deltoid Raise if you have access to dumbbell, or Arm Circles if you prefer none.