Interrupting (if I may) the "I'm better than you because I said so" thread;
Lateral raises are exceptional for building the outer head of the delt's. A alternative method may be to have the weight/resistance on the point of the elbow, taking a fuller advantage and the potential of delt strength and development. For most, performed correctly, the DB (or cable) raise can be rewarding but there still remains a chance of extra stress on joints and tendons. Extending and holding a weight out and away from the body may not the best idea for some, no matter how light the DB may seem. A extensive bend (not just a slight break) at the elbow can relieve a lot of that stress.
Might suggest a shoulder machine, with the elbows on pads and the resistance closer to the body; Nautilus would be first choice, with the should press bars included. Though there a other machines that can be considered. Even having resistance from a training partner, putting the pressure on the point of the elbows, can be a good movement.
Better BB exercise , for the lateral delt heads, would be the press behind the neck... a mass builder. Try not having too wide a grip on the bar and not lowering the bar below the middle to upper neck level. Both allow way too much stress on the joint structures of the shoulders. (though seen Olympic lifters jerk press 300lbs+ while the bar was resting on the shoulders as a regular part of training)
The Pre-exhause system works very well for the delts. Suggest lateral raises followed (no pause) with the press behind the neck (that above mentioned Nautilus shoulder machine is actually designed for a pre-exhause workout). Good Luck
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