Shoulders · Machines and cables

Cable and machine shoulder exercises

12 exercises from the diary's catalog, all with photos. Below are the list and a sample shoulder workout: compounds first, then isolation.

12 exercises

Face PullFace PullMachines and cablesCable Lateral RaiseCable Lateral RaiseMachines and cablesMachine Shoulder PressMachine Shoulder PressMachines and cablesReverse Pec Deck FlyReverse Pec Deck FlyMachines and cables
Smith Machine Overhead PressSmith Machine Overhead PressMachines and cables
Seated Cable Shoulder PressSeated Cable Shoulder PressMachines and cables
Cable Rear Delt FlyCable Rear Delt FlyMachines and cables
Front Cable RaiseFront Cable RaiseMachines and cables
Cable Upright RowCable Upright RowMachines and cables
Standing Cable Shoulder PressStanding Cable Shoulder PressMachines and cables
Cable Seated Lateral RaiseCable Seated Lateral RaiseMachines and cables
Bent-Over Low-Pulley Side LateralBent-Over Low-Pulley Side LateralMachines and cables

Sample workout

Templateshoulder workout

Four exercises from the list: compounds first, then isolation. It's a template for one day; how many sets a muscle needs per week is in the volume guide, and how to progress is in the progressive overload guide.

Why machines and cables

A machine sets the path, and a cable keeps tension where a dumbbell goes slack — at the bottom of a raise or the top of a fly. There's nothing to stabilise, so you can safely take sets close to failure without a spotter, and changing the weight is moving a pin. For a beginner, machine shoulder exercises are the easiest way in.

The downsides: a machine is built for an average person — adjust the seat and handles to fit you — and machines that look identical weigh differently from gym to gym. Only compare your numbers on the same machine.

Log your workouts — I'll show how many sets a week you give this group.

Read next