Cable Shoulder Press vs Pike Push Up
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Cable Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up are close in use — 231 vs 179 sessions logged. What separates them is Shoulder loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Cable Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Cable Shoulder Press vs Pike Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pike Push Up more often — 231 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up Differ
| What differs | Cable Shoulder Press | Pike Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, side delts, and triceps | front delts, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 179 sessions | 231 sessions |
How to Do Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
How to Do Pike Push Up
Pike Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
- 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.
For a full Pike Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pike Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Cable Shoulder Press or Pike Push Up?
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 Cable Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps, and Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Cable Shoulder Press and Pike Push Up need?
Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine, and Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only.
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