Across The Body Cable Lateral Raises

Across The Body Cable Lateral Raises

Nishtha Gupta
Reviewed by

Nishtha Gupta

Across The Body Lateral Raises with cables are an effective exercise to target the shoulder muscles and enhance upper body strength and stability. Lateral Raises with cables involve lifting the weight laterally across the body, engaging the deltoid muscles. This exercise is perfect for individuals looking to sculpt their shoulders and improve overall shoulder mobility.

Technique for Performing Across The Body Cable Lateral Raises.

  1. Setting Up: Start by attaching a handle at the bottom of a cable machine. Stand with your side facing the machine, grab the handle with the hand farthest from the machine, and position your feet hip-width apart.

  2. Initiating the Movement: Keep a slight bend in your elbow and slowly lift the handle across your body towards the opposite shoulder. Maintain control throughout the movement to engage the muscles fully.

  3. Focus on Form: Avoid using momentum to swing the weight up as this can strain the shoulder joint. Instead, lift the handle in a controlled manner, feeling the tension in your lateral deltoid muscles.

  4. Breathing: Exhale as you raise the handle and inhale as you lower it back down to the starting position.

  5. Range of Motion: Aim to lift the handle until your arm is parallel to the ground, ensuring a full range of motion to maximize muscle engagement.

  6. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other to maintain balance and symmetry in muscle development.

Muscles Worked During Across The Body Cable Lateral Raises

  1. Deltoids (Shoulders): Lateral (Middle) Deltoid: The primary muscle activated during the movement, responsible for raising the arm laterally. Anterior (Front) Deltoid: Engaged to a lesser extent due to the angle of movement across the body.

  2. Supraspinatus (Part of the Rotator Cuff): Assists in lifting the arm, especially in the initial phase of the movement.

  3. Upper Trapezius: Assists in shoulder stabilization and helps elevate the shoulder during the movement.

  4. Serratus Anterior: Stabilizes the shoulder blades as the arm moves across the body.

  5. Rhomboids and Middle Trapezius: Stabilize the scapulae (shoulder blades), helping maintain good posture and control.

  6. Core (Abs and Obliques): Stabilizes the torso to prevent excessive twisting and maintain proper posture as the arm moves across the body.

Benefits of Across The Body Cable Lateral Raises

  1. Enhanced Shoulder Development: This exercise emphasizes the lateral (middle) deltoids, helping build width and definition in the shoulders for a more balanced, rounded appearance.

  2. Involvement of Multiple Shoulder Muscles: It engages not only the lateral deltoid but also the anterior deltoid and the rotator cuff muscles, providing a more complete shoulder workout.

  3. Improved Range of Motion: The across-the-body motion increases the range of motion, allowing for a deeper stretch of the lateral deltoid and a stronger contraction at the top of the movement.

  4. Improved Shoulder Mobility: By moving the arm across the body, this exercise helps improve shoulder flexibility and mobility, benefiting other movements like overhead presses or chest exercises.

  5. Increased Core Stability: To maintain balance and prevent the torso from twisting, the core muscles (abs and obliques) are activated throughout the exercise, helping to improve overall core strength and stability.

  6. Continuous Tension: The cable machine provides constant tension throughout the full range of motion. This increases time under tension, which can enhance muscle growth and endurance.

  7. Reduced Shoulder Joint Stress: The controlled motion of the cable allows for smoother resistance and less strain on the shoulder joint, making it a safer alternative for people with shoulder issues or those looking to avoid injury.

  8. Better Muscle Symmetry: Working one arm at a time ensures that each side of the body is trained equally, which can help address any strength or muscle imbalances.

  9. Versatility and Control: You can easily adjust the weight and handle position to suit your fitness level and goals. The cable helps isolate the deltoids, making it easier to target the muscle without involving other muscle groups too much.

Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness

  • Emphasize proper form: Maintaining correct form is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of this exercise. Focus on keeping your back straight, shoulders squared, and core engaged throughout each repetition.

  • Incorporate progressive overload: To continually challenge your muscles and see improvements, gradually increase the weight used during Across The Body Lateral Raises with cables. This progression will help stimulate muscle growth and strength gains.

  • Mind-muscle connection: Concentrate on the targeted muscles, specifically the deltoids, while performing the exercise. Visualize the lateral raises movement and consciously engage the deltoids to ensure they are the primary movers.

  • Control the movement: Avoid using momentum to swing the weights up as it reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. Instead, lift the weights in a slow and controlled manner, focusing on the full range of motion.

  • Include variations: To prevent plateaus and keep the workout engaging, consider incorporating different variations of Across The Body Lateral Raises with cables, such as using different grips or adjusting the angle of the raise.

Preventing Injury

  • Use Proper Form: Maintain a neutral back and avoid arching or rounding your spine. This helps prevent lower back strain. Avoid swinging the weight or using momentum. Perform the raise slowly and with control to focus on muscle engagement rather than speed. Limit the range of motion so that your arm stays slightly in front of your body at the top. Overextending can cause stress on your shoulder joints. Maintain a straight wrist throughout the movement to avoid unnecessary strain on the forearm and wrist joints.

  • Start with Lighter Weights: Begin with a lighter weight that allows you to perform the movement with perfect form. Gradually increase resistance as your strength improves. Prioritize feeling the contraction in your lateral deltoid over lifting heavier weights. Form should always come first.

  • Warm Up Thoroughly: Perform shoulder mobility exercises and dynamic stretches to warm up the shoulder joints and muscles before starting. This prepares your body for the movement and reduces the risk of injury. Begin with lighter sets to get your muscles accustomed to the movement before progressing to heavier sets.

  • Engage Your Core: Keep your core tight throughout the exercise to prevent torso rotation and maintain balance. This also helps protect your lower back from strain.

  • Maintain Proper Alignment: Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears. Engaging your traps too much can lead to shoulder impingement or neck strain.Keep a slight bend in the elbows to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the joints.

  • Limit Range of Motion: Don’t force your arm too far across your body or too high, as this can strain the shoulder joint. Aim for a controlled and comfortable range of motion.

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