Skip to main content

Best Shoulders Workouts With Cable Machines To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

Cables are a versatile tool offering unique benefits, such as manipulating resistance direction and incorporating specialized handles, optimizing muscle activation.

Shoulder-focused exercises in this workout include movements like overhead presses and lateral raises, targeting the deltoid muscles which play a vital role in upper body dynamics.

To achieve a lean physique and promote fat burning, exercises are structured to maintain an elevated heart rate while employing lower weights with higher repetitions, effectively blending calorie expenditure with muscle maintenance.

The 12 Best Shoulders Exercises with Cable Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Cable Front Raise

    Cable Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    178,281
    Shoulders Strength
    86 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Front Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the front deltoids while providing consistent resistance using a cable machine. This helps build shoulder strength and definition while also engaging the core for stability.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the cable machine pulley to its lowest setting and attach a bar.
    2. Stand facing away from the machine with the bar between your legs.
    3. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    4. Grab the bar with an overhand grip and pull it to your hips, feeling tension in the cable.
    5. Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look forward.
    6. With your arms nearly straight, raise the bar to eye level in an arc by using your shoulders.
    7. Hold the raised position briefly before returning to the starting point with control.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 2. Cable Lateral Raise

    Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,978,112
    Shoulders Strength
    97 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the middle deltoid muscle. Using a cable machine allows for better control and can help identify strength differences between your left and right sides.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the pulley to the lowest position and attach a handle.
    2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the pulley with your left side.
    3. Grab the handle with your right hand, keep your palm facing in.
    4. Tighten your core to maintain a straight back.
    5. With a slightly bent elbow, raise the handle to shoulder height while rotating it slightly upwards.
    6. Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 3. Cable Face Pull

    Cable Face Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,132,611
    Shoulders Strength
    96 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Face Pull is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder muscles, especially the rear deltoids. It uses a cable machine, allowing you to easily control the resistance by adjusting the pulley height or your distance from the machine.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to chin height and attach a rope.
    2. Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and grip the rope with both hands.
    3. Step back until the cable is taut, with your arms extended.
    4. Keep your arms parallel to the ground and engage your core as you pull the rope towards your chin, letting your hands move apart slightly.
    5. When the rope is in front of your chin, return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 4. Freemotion Shoulder Press

    Freemotion Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    95,615
    Shoulders Strength
    82 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Freemotion Machine (all forms)
    Freemotion Machine (all forms)

    The Freemotion Shoulder Press is a beginner-friendly exercise that targets your shoulder muscles. Using a Freemotion machine helps you maintain stability, making it easier to control your movements and focus on your form.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the dual pulleys to the lowest position with handle attachments.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles at shoulder height with palms facing forward and elbows close to your sides.
    3. Press the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists and forearms straight.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position to repeat the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 5. Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise

    Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    169,594
    Shoulders Strength
    80 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the lateral head to enhance shoulder width and definition. The cable setup helps create constant tension, giving you a different movement experience compared to dumbbells.

    How to do it

    1. Stand sideways to the cable machine with your feet in front of the pulley.
    2. Hold the handle with the hand farthest from the machine, cable behind you, and palm facing in.
    3. With a slight bend in your elbow, raise the cable in an arc upward away from your body.
    4. Pause when the handle reaches shoulder height.
    5. Lower the weight back to the starting position while keeping shoulder tension.
    6. Keep your core tight, chest up, and shoulders back during the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 6. Cable Rear Delt Fly

    Cable Rear Delt Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    645,918
    Shoulders Strength
    82 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable

    The Cable Rear Delt Fly targets the rear shoulders to improve your shoulder balance and posture. Using a cable machine allows for better muscle activation with constant tension. This exercise also strengthens the upper back and helps correct shoulder imbalances.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the pulleys to just above your eye level.
    2. Stand facing the pulleys with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Grab the left pulley with your right hand and the right pulley with your left hand.
    4. Engage your core and extend your arms out to the sides, keeping them straight.
    5. Pause briefly when your arms are fully extended, then slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 7. Cable Shoulder External Rotation

    Cable Shoulder External Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    201,242
    Shoulders Strength
    71 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Shoulder External Rotation is a simple exercise that strengthens the rotator cuff muscles, helping to stabilize the shoulder and prevent injuries. Using a cable machine allows for controlled movements, making it great for rehabilitation and fitness improvement.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable at elbow height.
    2. Stand with your side facing the cable, feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Hold the cable handle with the arm farthest from the cable.
    4. Keep your elbow close to your body and fixed in place.
    5. Pull the handle away from your body, keeping your forearm parallel to the ground and your wrist straight.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 8. Cable Shoulder External Rotation at 90°

    Cable Shoulder External Rotation at 90° demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    74,981
    Shoulders Strength
    68 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Shoulder External Rotation at 90° strengthens the rotator cuff and improves shoulder stability. It's great for anyone, especially athletes wanting to boost shoulder function and prevent injuries.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable to shoulder height and stand side-on with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the cable handle with the outer hand, keeping your elbow bent at 90 degrees and aligned with your shoulder.
    3. Start with your hand level with your shoulder and raise the handle until your wrist is above your elbow, keeping your wrist straight.
    4. Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 9. Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90°

    Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90° demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    47,148
    Shoulders Strength
    74 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90° exercise strengthens the internal rotator muscles of your shoulder, which is important for overall shoulder health. This exercise is done with your arm at a 90-degree angle, balancing your shoulder routine with external rotations.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable at shoulder height.
    2. Stand sideways to the cable, feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Hold the cable handle with your outside hand and keep your elbow bent at 90 degrees, aligned with your shoulder.
    4. Start with your wrist above your elbow. Pull the handle down until your wrist is level with your elbow and shoulder.
    5. Keep your wrist straight during the movement.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 10. Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation

    Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    117,170
    Shoulders Strength
    84 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder, especially the rotator cuff. It helps improve shoulder stability and health while allowing for controlled resistance from a standing position.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable at elbow height.
    2. Stand sideways to the cable with feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Hold the cable handle with your inside hand, keeping your elbow close to your body.
    4. Pull the handle towards your abdomen, keeping your forearm parallel to the ground and your wrist straight.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 11. Cable Shoulder Press

    Cable Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    164,564
    Shoulders Strength
    77 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable

    The Cable Shoulder Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder muscles, especially the front and middle parts. Using cables keeps tension on the muscles, improving stability and control during the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulleys to the lowest position and attach the handles.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles outside your shoulders, palms facing forward, and elbows by your sides.
    3. Press the handles overhead until your arms are straight and in line with your ears, then lower them back down.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 12. Dumbbell Hanging Lateral Raise

    Dumbbell Hanging Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    128,593
    Shoulders Strength
    85 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Hanging Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets muscle isolation and improves range of motion. By hanging to the side, you increase shoulder activation as you raise a dumbbell away from your body.

    How to do it

    1. Stand next to a cable pole, facing away, with one arm gripping the cable for support.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in the other arm at hip height, leaning slightly away from the pole.
    3. Raise the dumbbell to shoulder height in a circular motion, keeping your arm straight.
    4. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Cable Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Shoulders Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Shoulders Workouts with Cable Machines