Cable Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,440 sessions vs 1,214. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Cable Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Cable Lateral Raise vs Smith Machine Behind Neck Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,440 sessions compared to 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Differ
| What differs | Cable Lateral Raise | Smith Machine Behind Neck Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Machine type | cable-driven | Smith-machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,440 sessions | 1,214 sessions |
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.
How to Do Smith Machine Behind Neck Press
Smith Machine Behind Neck Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell above your head.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- It's an exercise that can strain your shoulders, so if you hear sounds or feel pain in your shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise.
For a full Smith Machine Behind Neck Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Behind Neck Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Lateral Raise or Smith Machine Behind Neck Press?
Planfit users log Cable Lateral Raise more often — 4,440 sessions against 1,214 for Smith Machine Behind Neck Press. 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 Smith Machine Behind Neck Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Lateral Raise loads side delts, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Cable Lateral Raise and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press need?
Cable Lateral Raise needs a machine, and Smith Machine Behind Neck Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable Lateral Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Behind Neck Press once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
