Cable Shoulder PressMuscles Worked
The cable shoulder press works your shoulders, mostly the front delts, with your triceps assisting as you press the handles overhead. The cables pull from below, so tension stays on through the whole press instead of fading at the top.
How to do it
- Set both pulleys at the bottom of a cable station, attach single handles and choose a manageable weight.
- Stand in the middle of the towers, take a handle in each hand and bring them up to shoulder height, palms facing forward.
- Brace your abs and keep your chest up and your head neutral.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are straight, letting them drift slightly together.
- Pause at the top, then lower the handles slowly back to shoulder height.
Form tips
- Stand exactly halfway between the pulleys so both cables pull evenly on each arm.
- Keep your ribs down and avoid arching your lower back as you press.
Why it made the list
No. 9 of 13
Best Shoulder Exercises
Cable pressing gives constant tension through the full ROM. Great for shoulder-friendly training with smooth resistance.
More shoulder exercises
See it on your own body map
Log your Cable Shoulder Press sets in KasMaker and watch your shoulders and triceps fill in on the map, weighted by how much you did. Logging and the body map are free on iPhone.
