Is the cable version better than dumbbells?

Cables provide constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, whereas dumbbells lose resistance at the bottom. Both are effective, but cables are superior for maintaining time under tension.

How high should I raise my arm?

Stop when your arm is parallel to the floor. Raising the handle higher often shifts the workload from the medial deltoid to the upper trapezius.

Which side of the body should the cable be on?

In this front variation, the cable should run across the front of your legs from the machine to your working hand.

Cable Front Cross Lateral Raise Guide

Master the side lateral raise with cables. Learn correct form, avoid common mistakes, and maximize shoulder hypertrophy with constant cable tension.

How to Perform

Set the pulley to the lowest position and attach a single D-handle.
Stand with your side to the machine and reach across your body with the far arm to grasp the handle.
Position the cable so it runs in front of your thighs with a slight bend in your elbow.
Raise your arm out to the side until it is parallel with the floor, keeping your palm facing down.
Pause momentarily at the peak of the movement while maintaining a proud chest and neutral spine.
Lower the weight slowly back to the starting position across your body to maintain tension on the deltoid.

Common Mistakes

Using momentum or rocking the torso to lift the weight.
Shrugging the shoulders toward the ears during the ascent.
Lifting the hand significantly higher than the elbow.
Allowing the stack to drop quickly on the eccentric phase.

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

Shoulders

Stabilizers

Upper Trapezius
Serratus Anterior
Forearms

Related Guides

Arm Raises (T/Y/I) — Shoulders
Arnold Press — Shoulders
Australian pull-ups — Shoulders

Shoulders · Shoulders