Lateral Raise Tips: First, although a thumbs over grip isn't wrong, a thumbless grip reduces forearm and grip involvement to help feel the tension on your side delts. Second, keeping your elbows slightly bent will put less stress on your wrists and elbows while putting more tension on your side delts.Third, keep your shoulders down and avoid shrugging in order to minimize trap involvement. Fourth, bend slightly forward which will help ensure you're lifting in the scapular plane to more effective