Cable Press Around Guide: Master Shoulder Isolation
Learn how to perform the cable press around to build stronger, more defined delts with our expert, step-by-step form guide and tips.
How to Perform
- Set the cable pulley to roughly waist height and attach a standard D-handle.
- Stand sideways to the machine and grasp the handle with the arm furthest away from the pulley.
- Position your feet in a staggered stance for stability and keep your elbow bent at a ninety-degree angle across your torso.
- Press the handle across your body and slightly forward, following the natural arc of your shoulder joint.
- Squeeze the shoulder at the point of peak contraction without locking out the elbow fully.
- Control the weight as you return to the starting position, maintaining constant tension on the deltoid.
- Complete the set on one side before switching your stance and the handle to the opposite arm.
Common Mistakes
- Using excessive momentum by twisting the torso during the press
- Setting the pulley too high which shifts focus to the lower chest
- Allowing the elbow to drop toward the ribs during the eccentric phase
- Gripping the handle too tightly and over-engaging the forearm
Muscles Worked
Primary movers
- Shoulders
Stabilizers
- Triceps
- Upper Pectorals
- Serratus Anterior
- Core
Related Guides
- Arm Raises (T/Y/I) — Shoulders
- Arnold Press — Shoulders
- Australian pull-ups — Shoulders
Shoulders · Shoulders