Stand with feet hip width apart, core tight, and knees soft. Grasp two dumbbells of equal weight in each hand, making sure your hands are in the middle of the weight for balance. Slowly lift each weight out to your side, keeping elbows slightly bent, until the weights are shoulder height. Slowly return the weights down to your sides. Let your lateral (side) shoulders lift the weights. Do not engage your trapezius or neck muscles during the movement.