FitCi
Cable Lateral Raise is an isolation exercise for the shoulders: one joint works, so it comes after the compound lifts to finish the target muscle. Equipment: cable. Difficulty: beginner, suitable for beginners. It takes 5 steps; the most common mistake is covered in the tip below.
Step-by-step
- Set the cable to the lowest setting, stand beside the machine, and grip the handle with your far hand.
- Keep your torso upright and your working shoulder down and steady.
- Raise your arm out to the side up to shoulder height with your elbow slightly bent.
- Pause briefly at the top and feel your side delt contract.
- Slowly lower the cable back to the starting position under control.
Coaching tip
Pull the cable from behind your body and keep constant tension on the side delt throughout the movement.
Caution
Skip this move or ask a professional first if you have pain or an injury in: shoulder. FitCi filters it out of your program automatically based on the injuries in your profile.
How to program it
Sets × reps and rest by goal; tempo and controlled reps matter most on isolation work. Start at the bottom of the range in week one; add 2.5–5% when you hit the top with clean form.
| Goal | Sets × Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3 × 6-8 | 120 s |
| Muscle gain | 3 × 10-15 | 75 s |
| Fat loss / conditioning | 3 × 12-15 | 60 s |
FitCi applies this table to your age and goal automatically and writes weekly progression.
Alternatives
- At home, no equipment: Pike Push-Up, Handstand Push-Up
- Same muscle, different equipment: Overhead Barbell Press, Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press, Arnold Press
More shoulders exercises
Add this exercise to your program
Build your own program in FitCi, pick an expert template, or photograph the plan your coach gave you; the app tracks sets, reps and weight.