Arnold Press vs Cable Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Arnold Press works multiple joints at once, Cable Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Compare the benefits of Arnold Press and Cable Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Arnold Press vs Cable Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,441 sessions compared to 2,745 for Arnold Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arnold Press and Cable Lateral Raise differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Arnold Press and Cable Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Arnold Press | Cable Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | side delts |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,745 sessions | 4,441 sessions |
How to Do Arnold Press
Arnold Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell by rotating it so that your palm faces forward.
- 2. Please lift it without bringing the dumbbell to the center.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This exercise uses the front deltoids more than a typical shoulder press.
- 2. For those with rotator cuff issues, I recommend the Arnold press over the standard shoulder press.
For a full Arnold Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arnold Press exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Lateral Raise
Cable Lateral Raise Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift your arms to shoulder height while keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- 2. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing the floor or towards the front of your body.
- 3. Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position.
- 4. However, do not lower your arms completely; only lower them until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to raise your hands higher than shoulder level.
- 2. If your palms are facing behind your body, it may cause shoulder pain, so please keep them facing the floor or in front of your body.
For a full Cable Lateral Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Lateral Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Arnold Press or Cable Lateral Raise?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arnold Press and Cable Lateral Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arnold Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Cable Lateral Raise loads side delts.
What equipment do Arnold Press and Cable Lateral Raise need?
Arnold Press needs a dumbbell, and Cable Lateral Raise needs a machine.
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