Exercise library
Cable Lateral Raise
The cable lateral raise targets the side delts with constant tension, building wider, rounder shoulders.
CableShouldersBeginner
- Equipment
- Cable
- Focus
- Shoulders
- Level
- Beginner
- Suggested sets
- 3 sets of 12–15 reps per side.
- Muscles worked
- Shoulders
How to do it
- 1Set a pulley to the lowest position and grip the handle with the opposite hand.
- 2Stand side-on to the machine with a slight bend in your elbow.
- 3Brace your core and keep your torso upright.
- 4Raise your arm out to the side until your hand reaches about shoulder height.
- 5Lower it slowly against the cable tension and repeat, then switch sides.
Tips & tricks
- Lead with your elbow rather than your hand.
- Keep the movement smooth — the cable keeps tension at the bottom.
- Use a light weight and avoid swinging.
Common mistakes
- Using momentum to swing the weight up.
- Shrugging your trap instead of using the side delt.
- Raising the arm far above shoulder height.
