Lateral Raise Machine vs Cable Lateral Raise
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Lateral Raise Machine and Cable Lateral Raise and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Lateral Raise Machine vs Cable Lateral Raise: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lateral Raise Machine more often — 5,383 sessions compared to 4,441 for Cable Lateral Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lateral Raise Machine 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 Lateral Raise Machine and Cable Lateral Raise Differ
| What differs | Lateral Raise Machine | Cable Lateral Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,383 sessions | 4,441 sessions |
How to Do Lateral Raise Machine
Lateral Raise Machine Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Slowly lift the equipment to shoulder height while keeping your elbows bent.
- 2. Slowly lower it back to the starting position.
- 3. However, do not lower the equipment completely; only lower it until your shoulders are relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to lift the equipment higher than shoulder height.
For a full Lateral Raise Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lateral Raise Machine 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, Lateral Raise Machine 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.
What equipment do Lateral Raise Machine and Cable Lateral Raise need?
Lateral Raise Machine needs a machine, and Cable Lateral Raise needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lateral Raise Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Lateral Raise once your form holds up.
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