Cable Lateral Raise vs Overhead Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Overhead Press works multiple joints at once, Cable Lateral Raise isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 2. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Cable Lateral Raise and Overhead Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Cable Lateral Raise vs Overhead Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions compared to 4,441 for Cable Lateral Raise.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Cable Lateral Raise and Overhead Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Lateral Raise and Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Cable Lateral Raise | Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,441 sessions | 17,150 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Cable Lateral Raise, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Cable Lateral Raise Guide page of our blog!
How to Overhead Press
Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your hips and core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can put strain on your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your hips and core lose tension, it can put strain on your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Lateral Raise or Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 4,441 for Cable Lateral Raise. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Cable Lateral Raise and Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Cable Lateral Raise and Overhead Press need?
Cable Lateral Raise needs a machine, and Overhead Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Overhead Press once your form holds up.
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