Scale Up Your Shoulders
Building Delicious Dels: The Cable Lateral Raise Exercise
What is the Medial Deltoid Muscle?
“Cable lateral raises primarily target the medial deltoids, which are a key muscle group for building wider, more pronounced shoulders,” says Emseih. Sitting between the anterior and posterior deltoid, the medial deltoid muscle is the outer section that gives the shoulder its rounded shape. The role of the medial deltoid is to abduct, or in other words; move the arm away from the body.
How to Perform the Cable Lateral Raise
- Choose a light weight while working on form
- Put the cable position close to the floor
- Stand to the side of the cable machine
- Chest out, shoulders back. Bend your knees slightly
- You can also use your free hand for support by holding the machine, creating a shape similar to the letter ‘T’
- To begin, lift the cable outwards from a starting position that is near the top of your knee
- Slowly raise the cable diagonally and extend your arm upwards for a stretch
- Lower the cable and repeat
Why the Cable Lateral Raise Works
As shown in Emseih’s demonstration video, the only parts of the body that should be moving is the arm and shoulder. If you find yourself contorting and twisting to lift the load, you may be going too high with the weight and will lose focus on the target muscle.
By mimicking the natural movement of the medial deltoid with an increased weight, your shoulders will become stronger and more toned. “The cable resistance challenges the deltoids through a full range of motion, providing constant tension,” explains Emseih. Indeed, the ‘capped’ appearance of this fitness fan’s solid shoulders is testament to the benefits of this particular exercise. Try it for yourself, starting with a comfortable weight and progressively increasing it as necessary. To really master this move, make sure you get a great stretch at the top of the lift, and practise a slow ascent and descent to maximize time under tension.
Conclusion
The cable lateral raise is an effective exercise for building stronger and more toned shoulders. By following the proper form and technique, you can target the medial deltoid muscle and experience the benefits for yourself. Don’t forget to practice patience and consistency, and always prioritize proper form over heavy weights.
FAQs
- How much weight should I start with?
- What if I find it difficult to get the correct form?
- Can I do this exercise at home?
- Will this exercise help me build muscle in other areas besides the shoulders?
Start with a light weight and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
Practice makes perfect. Start with a light weight and focus on proper form, then gradually increase the weight as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
Yes, you can do this exercise at home with a cable machine or a resistance band. Just make sure to adjust the weight and form according to your needs.
This exercise primarily targets the medial deltoid muscle, but it can also engage other muscle groups, such as the triceps and biceps, to a lesser extent.