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.
Workout 1
Shoulders

Cable Front Raise
18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs48reps12.5lbs
Cable Lateral Raise
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs
Cable Face Pull
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Freemotion Shoulder Press
112reps35lbs212reps35lbs
Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Cable Rear Delt Fly
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Cable Shoulder External Rotation
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders

Cable Shoulder External Rotation at 90°
18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs48reps20lbs
Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90°
112reps20lbs212reps20lbs
Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation
110reps7.5lbs210reps7.5lbs310reps7.5lbs
Cable Shoulder Press
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs
Dumbbell Hanging Lateral Raise
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Cable Front Raise
112reps10lbs212reps10lbs312reps10lbs
Cable Lateral Raise
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
The 12 Best Shoulders Exercises with Cable Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat
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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 LOGGED178,281Shoulders Strength86 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Adjust the cable machine pulley to its lowest setting and attach a bar.
- Stand facing away from the machine with the bar between your legs.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Grab the bar with an overhand grip and pull it to your hips, feeling tension in the cable.
- Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look forward.
- With your arms nearly straight, raise the bar to eye level in an arc by using your shoulders.
- Hold the raised position briefly before returning to the starting point with control.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs2. Cable Lateral Raise
Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,978,112Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Adjust the pulley to the lowest position and attach a handle.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the pulley with your left side.
- Grab the handle with your right hand, keep your palm facing in.
- Tighten your core to maintain a straight back.
- With a slightly bent elbow, raise the handle to shoulder height while rotating it slightly upwards.
- Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs3. Cable Face Pull
Cable Face Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,132,611Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Set the pulley to chin height and attach a rope.
- Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and grip the rope with both hands.
- Step back until the cable is taut, with your arms extended.
- 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.
- When the rope is in front of your chin, return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs4. Freemotion Shoulder Press
Freemotion Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED95,615Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
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
- Adjust the dual pulleys to the lowest position with handle attachments.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles at shoulder height with palms facing forward and elbows close to your sides.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists and forearms straight.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position to repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs5. Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise
Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED169,594Shoulders Strength80 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Rope CableThe 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
- Stand sideways to the cable machine with your feet in front of the pulley.
- Hold the handle with the hand farthest from the machine, cable behind you, and palm facing in.
- With a slight bend in your elbow, raise the cable in an arc upward away from your body.
- Pause when the handle reaches shoulder height.
- Lower the weight back to the starting position while keeping shoulder tension.
- Keep your core tight, chest up, and shoulders back during the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs6. Cable Rear Delt Fly
Cable Rear Delt Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED645,918Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
Crossover CableThe 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
- Adjust the pulleys to just above your eye level.
- Stand facing the pulleys with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grab the left pulley with your right hand and the right pulley with your left hand.
- Engage your core and extend your arms out to the sides, keeping them straight.
- Pause briefly when your arms are fully extended, then slowly return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs7. Cable Shoulder External Rotation
Cable Shoulder External Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED201,242Shoulders Strength71 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Set the cable at elbow height.
- Stand with your side facing the cable, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the cable handle with the arm farthest from the cable.
- Keep your elbow close to your body and fixed in place.
- Pull the handle away from your body, keeping your forearm parallel to the ground and your wrist straight.
- Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs8. Cable Shoulder External Rotation at 90°
Cable Shoulder External Rotation at 90° demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED74,981Shoulders Strength68 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Set the cable to shoulder height and stand side-on with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the cable handle with the outer hand, keeping your elbow bent at 90 degrees and aligned with your shoulder.
- Start with your hand level with your shoulder and raise the handle until your wrist is above your elbow, keeping your wrist straight.
- Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs9. Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90°
Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation at 90° demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED47,148Shoulders Strength74 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Set the cable at shoulder height.
- Stand sideways to the cable, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the cable handle with your outside hand and keep your elbow bent at 90 degrees, aligned with your shoulder.
- Start with your wrist above your elbow. Pull the handle down until your wrist is level with your elbow and shoulder.
- Keep your wrist straight during the movement.
- Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs10. Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation
Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED117,170Shoulders Strength84 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableCable 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
- Set the cable at elbow height.
- Stand sideways to the cable with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the cable handle with your inside hand, keeping your elbow close to your body.
- Pull the handle towards your abdomen, keeping your forearm parallel to the ground and your wrist straight.
- Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs11. Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED164,564Shoulders Strength77 mScoreShoulders
Crossover CableThe 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
- Set the pulleys to the lowest position and attach the handles.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles outside your shoulders, palms facing forward, and elbows by your sides.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are straight and in line with your ears, then lower them back down.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs12. Dumbbell Hanging Lateral Raise
Dumbbell Hanging Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED128,593Shoulders Strength85 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
DumbbellsThe 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
- Stand next to a cable pole, facing away, with one arm gripping the cable for support.
- Hold a dumbbell in the other arm at hip height, leaning slightly away from the pole.
- Raise the dumbbell to shoulder height in a circular motion, keeping your arm straight.
- Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
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