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Last updated March 5, 2026
Shoulders
Lateral Raise (Cable)
Stand next to a low pulley. Raise the handle out to the side until shoulder height. Cables provide resistance during the entire movement, unlike dumbbells.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Low
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Side Shoulders
Secondary
Upper Traps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Cable
Movement pattern
Unilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand next to a cable machine with the pulley set to the lowest position.
- Attach a single handle to the pulley and adjust the weight to a suitable level.
- Step 2Grab the Handle
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grab the handle with one hand.
- Keep your arm straight down at your side, palm facing your body.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Engage your core and maintain a slight bend in your knees.
- Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed and back straight.
- Step 4Lift the Handle
- Raise your arm out to the side, keeping a slight bend in your elbow.
- Lift until your arm is parallel to the ground, ensuring your shoulder stays down and away from your ear.
- Step 5Lower the Handle
- Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Do not let the weight stack touch down completely to keep tension in the muscle.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm.
- Focus on maintaining good form and control with each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully release the handle and step away from the cable machine.
- Ensure you are in a safe position before adjusting the weights or moving on to the next exercise.
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