shouldersintermediateReviewed by Dr. Ananya Iyer, DPT

Single-Arm Cable Lateral Raise

Provides continuous mechanical tension even at the bottom of the movement unlike dumbbells.

Recommended Sets3–4 Sets
Rep Range12–15 Reps
Rest Period45s Rest
Equipmentcable

3D Visual Form & Technique Demonstration

Biomechanically verified form execution and joint angle cues.

Official Video Tutorial · 3D Biomechanics & Form DemonstrationWatch on YouTube
How to Execute the Single-Arm Cable Lateral Raise

Set cable pulley to lowest position or hip height. Stand side-on to machine, grasp handle with far hand across body.

  • Primary Muscle: SHOULDERS
  • Secondary Synergists: Pure Isolation
  • Rest Interval: 45 seconds between sets

Single-Arm Cable Lateral Raise Anatomy Activation

Primary motor unit recruitment for shoulders with secondary synergist stabilizers.

Primary (shoulders)
Anterior (Front View)
Anterior Muscle Recruitment: shouldersFront anatomical silhouette highlighting shoulders in orange as active agonist.
Secondary / Stabilizer View
Posterior (Back View)
Posterior Muscle Recruitment: shouldersBack anatomical silhouette highlighting shoulders in orange as active agonist.
Secondary / Stabilizer View
Anatomical PlaneScapular & Frontal Planes
Primary KinesiologyHumeral Abduction & Flexion
Biomechanical VectorSuperior-lateral vector across deltoid tuberosity
Active Anatomy:Primary: shoulders
Figure: Biomechanical muscle recruitment model for shoulders. Highlighted in orange is the primary agonist motor unit; highlighted in blue are synergistic stabilizing groups (isolation mechanics).

Step-by-Step Execution Guide

1

Set cable pulley to lowest position or hip height.

2

Stand side-on to machine, grasp handle with far hand across body.

3

Raise arm out to side up to shoulder level.

4

Control eccentric lowering over 3 seconds.

Common Mistakes & Form Fixes

Shrugging shoulder towards ear.

Bending wrist during pull.

Biomechanical Safety & Injury Warning

Position pulley at wrist or hip height for optimal resistance profile.

Alternative Exercises & Swaps

If the equipment is occupied or you need a joint-friendly variation, substitute with these approved movements:

Rohan Varma, CSCS
Authored By
Rohan Varma, CSCSHead Strength Coach & Biomechanics Lead
Dr. Ananya Iyer, DPT
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ananya Iyer, DPTChief Medical & Biomechanics Reviewer
Last Reviewed & Verified: 2026-03-29
Read our Medical Fact-Checking Standards