Cable One-Arm Lateral Raise - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable One-Arm Lateral Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable One-Arm Lateral Raise.

MediumSide shoulders

About this exercise

A unilateral cable exercise that isolates the lateral (middle) deltoid by raising one arm out to the side against constant cable resistance. The cable maintains tension at the bottom of the movement, giving it an advantage over dumbbells for shoulder width development.

How to Perform

  • Attach a single D-handle to a low-pulley cable and stand sideways to the machine, the cable crossing in front of your body
  • Hold the handle in the hand farthest from the machine with your arm hanging by your side, palm facing inward
  • Stand tall with a slight forward lean, core braced, and a soft bend in the working elbow
  • Raise your arm out to the side in a smooth arc until it reaches shoulder height, keeping the elbow slightly ahead of the wrist
  • Pause briefly at the top and squeeze the lateral deltoid
  • Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat before switching sides

Muscle Activation

Primary
Side shoulders
Secondary
Front shouldersTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable One-Arm Lateral Raise

The Cable One-Arm Lateral Raise is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.