Cable Lateral Raise

An isolation cable raise targeting the lateral deltoids. Useful for building shoulder width with steady tension through the full lifting arc.

Also known as: cable side raise, cable delt raise, cable lateral delt raise, cable side delt raise, cable raise lateral

Beginner Isolation Cable machine
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How to do the Cable Lateral Raise

  1. Stand side-on to the cable machine, gripping the handle with your outside hand.
  2. Let your arm hang down, a slight bend in your elbow, torso upright.
  3. Pull the handle upward to shoulder height.
  4. Keep your hand slightly below your elbow as you lift the weight.
  5. Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position.
Full technique — 6 steps
  1. Attach a single handle to the low pulley and stand side-on to the machine.
  2. Grip the handle with the outside hand and let your arm hang slightly in front of your hip.
  3. Set a slight bend in your elbow and keep your torso upright without leaning away.
  4. Raise the arm out to the side until it reaches shoulder height.
  5. Keep the hand slightly below the elbow as the cable tracks smoothly upward.
  6. Lower the handle back to the start under tension without letting the weight stack slam.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the torso to start
  • Shrugging the shoulder upward
  • Turning it into a front raise
  • Lifting well above shoulder height
  • Letting the weight stack touch down

Form cues

  • Keep wrist below elbow
  • Stop at shoulder height
  • Keep torso quiet
  • Let cable stay taut

Substitutes & similar

Dumbbell Lateral Raise ▶
Dumbbell Lateral Raise Dumbbells Beginner
Machine Lateral Raise ▶
Machine Lateral Raise Lateral raise machine Beginner
Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raise ▶
Seated Dumbbell Lateral Raise Dumbbells Beginner
Resistance Band Lateral Raise ▶
Resistance Band Lateral Raise Resistance bands Beginner
Landmine Lateral Raise ▶
Landmine Lateral Raise Barbell Intermediate
Dumbbell Shoulder Press ▶
Dumbbell Shoulder Press Dumbbells Beginner