Leaning Cable Lateral Raise

ShouldersCable Crossover

An isolation exercise targeting the lateral deltoids. Leaning away from the cable stack keeps constant tension on the muscle throughout the entire range of motion.

How to do it

1Stand side-on to a low cable pulley and grip the upright support with your inside hand.

2Grab the handle with your outside hand and lean your torso away from the stack, fully extending your supporting arm.

3Smoothly raise your arm out to the side, keeping a soft bend in your elbow.

4Lift your arm until it reaches shoulder height or just below, avoiding any jerking movements.

5Lower your arm under control, resisting the pull of the cable back to the start.

Common mistakes

Swinging your body to bounce the weight up, which reduces tension on the deltoids.

Shrugging your shoulder up toward your ear at the top, overloading the traps.

Fully locking out your elbow, putting unnecessary stress on the elbow joint.

Breathing

Exhale as you raise your arm out to the side and inhale as you control it back down.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.