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Last updated February 2, 2026
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shoulders
Shoulder Internal Rotation (Cable)
Stand sideways to the cable. Pin your elbow to your ribs and rotate your hand across your stomach. Keep your wrist firm.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very Low
- Calorie Burn
- Low
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
rotator cuff (front)
Secondary
chest
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
- Attach a handle to the low pulley of a cable machine.
- Stand with your side to the machine, feet shoulder-width apart, and grasp the handle with the hand closest to the machine.
- Step 2Position Your Arm
- Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle, keeping your upper arm close to your body.
- Position your forearm parallel to the ground, ensuring your wrist is straight.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Stand tall with your core engaged to maintain stability throughout the movement.
- Keep your shoulder blades retracted and your posture upright.
- Step 4Perform the Rotation
- Rotate your shoulder inward by bringing your forearm towards your abdomen.
- Keep your elbow stationary and close to your body during the movement.
- Step 5Return to Start
- Slowly reverse the motion to return to the starting position, maintaining control of the cable.
- Ensure that your upper arm remains close to your body throughout the return.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other side.
- Focus on maintaining proper form and control during each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully release the handle and step away from the machine.
- Ensure you maintain good posture as you finish the exercise.