Equipment needed

  • Height adjustable cable machine
  • Single grip handle

Instructions:

  1. Start by positioning the height of the cable to knee height.
  2. Attach a single grip handle.
  3. Grab the handle and step away from the cable to take the tension of the weight.
  4. Turn side on to the machine, with the handle in the hand furthest away from the machine, and positioned in front of your body.
  5. Take a slight bend in your elbow and lift your arm from your side upwards until your arm is parallel to the floor.
  6. Lower your arm in the same way and allow the handle to slightly pass across your body whilst not turning your whole body.
  7. Repeat.

Useful tips:

  • Positioning the handle at knee height rather than at the floor, creates more tension on your shoulder.
  • Choose a low weight and keep control, because of levers, the weight will significantly lower on this exercise.
  • A slight bend in the elbow will reduce any unnecessary pressure at the joint.

Why do this exercise?

  • Lateral raises are a crucial exercise for shoulder development, and unlike the anterior and posterior (front and back) deltoid (shoulder), the middle isn’t a main mover in other compound exercises.
  • Doing this exercise on a cable machine means you don’t lose any tension at the bottom of the rep.

Blog by Alex Boardman – Personal Trainer (Boardman PT)