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Here Are the Only Shoulder Workout Machines and Exercises You Need 

    Generally speaking, compound movements engage multiple body parts in free-flowing movements using free weights. In comparison, machines are considered a safe and efficient way of targeting specific muscle groups through isolation exercises. 

    The following article will explain the importance and difference between compound and isolation exercises. 

    Shoulder Workout Machines And Exercises You Need

    Therefore, it is worth investing in shoulder workout machines to target these areas when looking to improve one’s shoulder muscles, specifically the delt muscles.

    However, what machines should you invest in, and what exercises should you perform? 

    You should invest in the following three shoulder workout machines:

    • A shoulder press
    • A smith machine
    • A cable crossover

    These machines allow you to perform various exercises that target the anterior deltoid, lateral deltoid, and posterior deltoid. 

    Along with discussing the different isolation exercises, we will also discuss why machines are essential in building shoulder muscles, how to identify the correct machine and a review of the best shoulder machines on the market.

    If you are in a hurry to see the best shoulder machines, check out the table below.

     

    What Machines Do You Need to Build Shoulder Muscles? ?️‍♀️

    What Machines Do You Need to Build Shoulder Muscles

    Although there are various machines available that allow you to perform shoulder exercises, the following three types of shoulder machines will enable you to perform a range of isolation exercises to maximize your shoulder workouts:

    • The shoulder press
    • The smith machine
    • The cable crossover machine

     

    The Best Shoulder Press Machines 

    The Best Shoulder Press Machines

    The three best shoulder press machines on the market are: 

     

    1. Body-Solid Shoulder Press Machine 

    The Body-Solid shoulder press machine is ideal for commercial gyms due to its lifetime guarantee and 11 gauge steel frame.

     

    2. Yukon Fitness Shoulder Machine

    The Yukon Fitness Shoulder Machine is a compact shoulder press machine that allows free weight loading on a barbell, ideal for home use.

     

    3. TDS Shoulder Press Machine

    The TDS Shoulder Press Machine is a versatile and affordable shoulder press machine perfect for small gyms and home use.

     

    Preview
    Best Overall
    Body-Solid ProClubLine Leverage Shoulder Press (LVSP)
    Best Alternative
    TDS Deltoid and Shoulder Machine
    Best Price
    Yukon Fitness Shoulder Machine
    Product Name
    Body-Solid ProClubLine Leverage Shoulder Press (LVSP)
    TDS Deltoid and Shoulder Machine
    Yukon Fitness Shoulder Machine
    Material
    Steel
    Steel
    Steel
    Color
    Black
    Grey/Black
    Black
    Item Weight
    189 Pounds
    ‎145 Pounds
    ‎90 Pounds
    Special Features
    Converging press arm movement, unilateral arm action, adjustable press arms, lifetime manufacturer's warranty
    Independent arm movement, thick contour seat, pillow block bearing, rear extra "U" frame
    Independent Iso lateral Delt Arm Movement, adjustable seat, dual weight pegs, four grips
    Best Overall
    Preview
    Body-Solid ProClubLine Leverage Shoulder Press (LVSP)
    Product Name
    Body-Solid ProClubLine Leverage Shoulder Press (LVSP)
    Material
    Steel
    Color
    Black
    Item Weight
    189 Pounds
    Special Features
    Converging press arm movement, unilateral arm action, adjustable press arms, lifetime manufacturer's warranty
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    TDS Deltoid and Shoulder Machine
    Product Name
    TDS Deltoid and Shoulder Machine
    Material
    Steel
    Color
    Grey/Black
    Item Weight
    ‎145 Pounds
    Special Features
    Independent arm movement, thick contour seat, pillow block bearing, rear extra "U" frame
    Interested?
    Best Price
    Preview
    Yukon Fitness Shoulder Machine
    Product Name
    Yukon Fitness Shoulder Machine
    Material
    Steel
    Color
    Black
    Item Weight
    ‎90 Pounds
    Special Features
    Independent Iso lateral Delt Arm Movement, adjustable seat, dual weight pegs, four grips
    Interested?

     

    Budget 

    Budget

    Make sure to have a clear budget when buying a shoulder press machine.

    The reason being is that shoulder press machines can vary significantly in price. 

    This is most relevant when comparing machines designed for home use versus machines intended for commercial use.

     

    Workout Preferences 

    Workout Preferences

    Although a shoulder press machine is an excellent addition to any gym, there’s no denying that it is a little machine that only offers a single exercise (albeit an excellent exercise for overall shoulder strength and growth.) 

    If you are looking for machines and equipment, then a shoulder press machine may not be a worthwhile investment for you.

     

    Size And Build 

    Size And Build

    Shoulder machines come in various sizes with different weight mechanisms, such as manually loaded free weights or built-in weights that you can freely adjust. 

    Consider your space and what additional accessories you may need to use a shoulder press machine. 

     

    The Best Smith Machines 

    The Best Smith Machines

    The three best Smith machines on the market are: 

     

    1. XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine

    The XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine is perfect for large commercial gyms.

     

    2. ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover Station

    The ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover Station is an easy to assemble and affordable cable crossover machine that uses separate free weights.

     

    3. Body-Solid Powerline PFT100

    The Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 is ideal for home use or small gyms.

     

    Preview
    Best Overall
    XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine with Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks, 19 Adjustments, and an Upgraded Accessory Package
    Best Alternative
    ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover Commercial Ball Bearing Cable Station | 19 Position Adjustable 180 Degree Pulleys | Home Gym Equipment | Cable Crossover Machine | Weight Machine | Cable Pulldown
    Best Price
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Dual 160 Lb. Weight Stacks
    Product Name
    XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine
    ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover Station
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100
    Material
    Steel
    Steel
    Steel
    Adjustment Range
    19
    19
    Not Indicated
    Weight Stack
    Dual 220 lbs
    NA
    Dual 160 lbs
    Pulley
    Best Overall
    Preview
    XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine with Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks, 19 Adjustments, and an Upgraded Accessory Package
    Product Name
    XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine
    Material
    Steel
    Adjustment Range
    19
    Weight Stack
    Dual 220 lbs
    Pulley
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover Commercial Ball Bearing Cable Station | 19 Position Adjustable 180 Degree Pulleys | Home Gym Equipment | Cable Crossover Machine | Weight Machine | Cable Pulldown
    Product Name
    ARCHON Wall Mount Cable Crossover Station
    Material
    Steel
    Adjustment Range
    19
    Weight Stack
    NA
    Pulley
    Interested?
    Best Price
    Preview
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Dual 160 Lb. Weight Stacks
    Product Name
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100
    Material
    Steel
    Adjustment Range
    Not Indicated
    Weight Stack
    Dual 160 lbs
    Pulley
    Interested?

     

    Usability 

    Although most cable crossover machines are known for their versatility, not all machines are smooth and usable.

    Therefore, the pulley system of the machine must operate smoothly and efficiently.

     

    Included Accessories 

    Included Accessories

    Cable crossover machines require different handles and weight settings to get the most out of them.

    Make sure to purchase a machine with the right accessories or to have complementary accessories in stock before buying the machine. 

     

    The Best Cable Crossover Machines ?

    The Best Cable Crossover Machines

    The two best cable crossover machines on the market are: 

     

    1. Force USA G3 Trainer

    The Force USA G3 Trainer is the perfect Smith machine for smaller spaces of home use.

     

    2. Body-Solid SCB1000 Pro

    The Body-Solid SCB1000 Pro is the perfect Smith machine for commercial gyms or serious athletes.

     

    Preview
    Best Overall
    FORCE USA Monster G3 Power Rack, Functional Trainer & Smith Machine Combo Base
    Best Alternative
    Body-Solid SCB1000 Pro Clubline Counter-Balanced Smith Machine for Weight Training, Home and Commercial Gym
    Best Price
    Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer
    Product Name
    Force USA G3 Trainer
    Body-Solid SCB1000 Pro
    Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer
    Material
    Steel
    Steel
    Steel
    Color
    Silver
    Grey/Black
    Black
    Item Weight
    337 Pounds
    300 Pounds
    624 Pounds
    Item Dimension
    55 x 51 x 87 inches
    50 x 86 x 84 inches
    40 x 54 x 85 inches
    Best Overall
    Preview
    FORCE USA Monster G3 Power Rack, Functional Trainer & Smith Machine Combo Base
    Product Name
    Force USA G3 Trainer
    Material
    Steel
    Color
    Silver
    Item Weight
    337 Pounds
    Item Dimension
    55 x 51 x 87 inches
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    Body-Solid SCB1000 Pro Clubline Counter-Balanced Smith Machine for Weight Training, Home and Commercial Gym
    Product Name
    Body-Solid SCB1000 Pro
    Material
    Steel
    Color
    Grey/Black
    Item Weight
    300 Pounds
    Item Dimension
    50 x 86 x 84 inches
    Interested?
    Best Price
    Preview
    Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer
    Product Name
    Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer
    Material
    Steel
    Color
    Black
    Item Weight
    624 Pounds
    Item Dimension
    40 x 54 x 85 inches
    Interested?

     

    Weight Capacity 

    Because Smith machines vary significantly in size and make, weight capacity can fluctuate depending on which Smith machine you buy.

    Since Smith machines rely on barbells and free weights, make sure your purchased machine can handle your stock weights. 

     

    Ease Of Assembly

    Ease Of Assembly

    Smith machines can be very complex and challenging to build, especially if you intend to construct the machine at home.

    Therefore, it is worth seeing if the company you are buying the machine from is willing to install it on your behalf.

     

    What Are the Best Shoulder Workouts You Can Do With Machines? ?

    What Are the Best Shoulder Workouts You Can Do With Machines

    Now that we know the three machines you need to perform isolation shoulder exercises, let’s look at the best shoulder exercises you can achieve with each machine:

     

    The Best Shoulder Press Machine Exercises 

    The Best Shoulder Press Machine Exercises

    The best shoulder press machine exercise is the seated overhead shoulder press. 

     

    Method:

    • Begin the exercise by sitting and facing away from the weights
    • Adjust the seat until you can comfortably grab a handle in each hand at shoulder height
    • Keep your elbows bent and close to your body as you engage your core
    • Exhale as you slowly push the handles above your head until your arms lockout
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds while squeezing your deltoids and traps
    • Slowly return the handles to the starting position to complete a rep

    Although the shoulder press machine may lack the versatility of other machines, its simplicity allows you to build your traps, anterior delts, and lateral delts without needing a spotter. 

     

    The Best Smith Machine Shoulder Exercises 

    The Best Smith Machine Shoulder Exercises

    The three best Smith machine exercises are:

    • Smith machine overhead press
    • Smith machine upright row
    • Smith machine shrug

     

    1. Smith Machine Overhead Press

    Method:

    • Begin the exercise by sitting on a gym bench with back support underneath the barbell of the Smith machine
    • Hold the bar wider than shoulder-width above shoulder height while using a double overhand grip.
    • Grip the bar and press it overhead until your arms are completely locked out
    • Pause at the top and then slowly return the bar to the starting position to complete one rep

    Similar to doing an overhead shoulder press with a shoulder press machine. 

    The Smith machine allows you to engage in a full range of movement without a spotter.

    At the same time, the added back support and seated position isolates your traps, anterior delts, and lateral delts during the exercise. 

     

    2. Smith Machine Upright Row  

    Method: 

    • Start the exercise by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart
    • Grab the barbell with an overhand grip, and your arms/hands positioned slighter wider than shoulder length apart
    • Position the bar at your thighs while keeping your arms straight
    • Engage your core and bend your knees when releasing the bar 
    • Focus on using your shoulders and traps to lift the bar to chest height, and let your elbows flare to the sides
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds while squeezing your shoulder muscles before slowly returning the bar to the starting position to complete a rep

    Using a Smith machine over free weights improves muscle activation of your three delts and traps while reducing stress on your back.

    See the best smith machines we recommend below.

    Preview
    Best Overall
    Marcy Smith Cage Machine with Workout Bench and Weight Bar Home Gym Equipment SM-4008
    Best Alternative
    Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine with Olympic Plate Storage Pegs
    Best Price
    IRON COMPANY Body Solid Smith Machine Powerline
    Product Name
    Marcy Smith Cage Machine
    Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine
    IRON COMPANY Body Solid Smith Machine Powerline
    Material
    Steel
    Steel
    Steel
    Item Dimension
    98 x 59 inches
    80 x 12 x 10 inches
    77 x 45 x 81 inches
    Weight
    131 Kilograms
    51 Pounds
    168 Pounds
    Special Features
    Multiple exercises, multi-functional, removable utility bench, adjustable safety stops
    Heavy-duty material, safe guided motion, versatile, knurled bar
    Full lenth, heavey-duty 12 gauge square pillars, Adjustable Safeties, extra long twin carriages
    Best Overall
    Preview
    Marcy Smith Cage Machine with Workout Bench and Weight Bar Home Gym Equipment SM-4008
    Product Name
    Marcy Smith Cage Machine
    Material
    Steel
    Item Dimension
    98 x 59 inches
    Weight
    131 Kilograms
    Special Features
    Multiple exercises, multi-functional, removable utility bench, adjustable safety stops
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine with Olympic Plate Storage Pegs
    Product Name
    Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine
    Material
    Steel
    Item Dimension
    80 x 12 x 10 inches
    Weight
    51 Pounds
    Special Features
    Heavy-duty material, safe guided motion, versatile, knurled bar
    Interested?
    Best Price
    Preview
    IRON COMPANY Body Solid Smith Machine Powerline
    Product Name
    IRON COMPANY Body Solid Smith Machine Powerline
    Material
    Steel
    Item Dimension
    77 x 45 x 81 inches
    Weight
    168 Pounds
    Special Features
    Full lenth, heavey-duty 12 gauge square pillars, Adjustable Safeties, extra long twin carriages
    Interested?

     

    3. Smith Machine Shrug

    Method: 

    • Begin this exercise with the bar position starting at the middle of your thighs
    • Stand with your feet hip-width apart and grab the bar with a pronated grip shoulder-width apart.
    • Straighten your arms and back while engaging your core
    • Exhale as you slowly lift the bar until your delts are fully extended to your ears
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds while squeezing your delts before slowly returning the bar to the starting position to complete a rep

    The Smith machine is a fantastic choice for doing shoulder shrugs, as it allows you to load multiple weights on the bar without fear of dropping the weights.

    Therefore, you can max out your shoulder shrugs with the Smith machine in a way that other shrugs do not allow. 

     

    The Best Cable Cross Machine Shoulder Exercises 

    Best Cable Cross Machine Shoulder Exercises

    The eleven best cable cross machine exercises are:

    • Cable overhead press
    • One-arm cable front raise 
    • One-arm cable lateral raise 
    • Cable-lateral raise 
    • Cable face pull
    • Cable bent-over reverse fly 
    • Cable reverse fly
    • Cable upright row
    • Cable Cubin press
    • Cable supine reverse fly
    • Rotator cuff rotation

     

    1. Cable Overhead Press 

    Method: 

    • Begin this exercise with your back to the cable machine, standing straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Grip the handles just above should height with your palms facing forward and your elbows bent at your sides
    • Keep your knees bent and push your arms overhead until they lock out.
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds and engage your shoulders and your core
    • Slowly return to your starting position to complete a rep

    The cable crossover machine lets you perform a shoulder press that targets all three of your delts in a single movement while increasing your time under tension with a set weight throughout the exercise.

     

    2. One-Arm Cable Front Raise

    Method:

    • Begin the exercise facing away from the cable raise while gripping the hand of the cable raises slightly behind your back leg
    • Raise your arm in front of you in a controlled motion until the handle reaches shoulder height
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds at your shoulders before slowly returning the handle to the starting position to complete one rep

    Although front raises are often done with free weights such as dumbbells, using a cable cross machine allows you to perform this exercise in a controlled fashion.

    Consequently, this improves your form and control by avoiding the “swing motion” commonly seen in front raises. 

    The exercise targets your anterior delt while simultaneously improving your lateral power. 

     

    3. One-Arm Cable Lateral Raise  

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by standing to one side of a cable machine
    • Hold the handle of the cable machine with your outside hand and your palm facing toward you. Let your arm hang by your side
    • Slowly extend your arm to your side until your arm locks out at shoulder height
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds before slowly returning your arm to the starting position to complete one rep

    Lateral raises, as the name implies, target the lateral delts.

    Therefore, this is an essential exercise for holistic muscle growth, strengthening, and flexibility, as lateral delts are difficult to train and often overlooked.  

     

    4. Cable Lateral Raise  

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by standing in-between the two sides of a cable crossover machine
    • Attach a grip handle to the lowest point of the cable pulley system on each side of the cable crossover machine
    • Crossing your arms over one another, grab each handle with an underhand grip and step back into a position that triggers tension from both sides of the cable crossover machine
    • Extend your arms to your sides until your elbows have locked out at shoulder height
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds and engage your core and shoulder muscles
    • Slowly return to the starting position to complete a rep

    As one of the signature exercises that give the cable crossover machine its name, this exercise allows you to engage both shoulders simultaneously. 

    Although it may be difficult to have both sides of a cable crossover machine to yourself in a commercial gym, this is the perfect exercise to build shoulder symmetry while keeping your weights, reps, and sets even for both shoulders. 

     

    5. Cable Face Pull

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by standing straight with your feet hip-width apart and facing the weights of the cable crossover machine
    • Attach a two-sided rope at the top of the cable pulley at about chest height
    • Grab each side of the rope with a natural grip at face height while allowing your shoulders to bend slightly
    • Pull the rope toward your face and contract your rear delts while pulling both sides of the rope apart.
    • Pull the rope as far back as possible while contracting your rear delts with the connecting joint coming close to touching your face.
    • Slowly return the rope to a position where your arms are fully locked out, and the tension of the cable slightly decreases to complete a rep.

    As a unique combination between a compound and isolation exercise, face pulls are fantastic for building your rear delts while engaging your back muscles to provide holistic strength training for your shoulders and sculpting your upper body. 

     

    6. Cable Bent Over Reverse Fly

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by standing shoulder-width apart between the two sides of a cable crossover machine
    • Hinge forward from your hips and bend over until your upper body is parallel to the floor with your knees slightly bent
    • Make sure not to bend your lower back; grab each handle from the bottom pulleys of the cable crossover machine. Allow your right hand to hold the left handle and your left hand to grab the right handle so that they cross over in front of you.
    • Engage your core and lift your arms until they lock at shoulder height, forming a T-shape
    • Pull your shoulders back and engage your delts for 1-2 seconds before returning to the starting position to complete a rep.

    While this exercise is typically done with free weights such as dumbbells, using a cable crossover machine is a far better way of keeping your rear delts engaged throughout the workout and subject to controlled, more sweeping motions.

    Furthermore, provided you engage your core and do not round your back during the exercise, cable crossover machines will put less strain on your back than free weights. 

     

    7. Cable Reverse Fly

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by standing shoulder-width apart between the two sides of a cable crossover machine
    • Grab each handle from the bottom pulleys of the cable crossover machine. Allow your right hand to grab the left handle and your left hand to grab the right handle so that they cross over in front of you.
    • Engage your core and open your arms until they lock, forming a T-shape
    • Pull your shoulders back and engage your delts for 1-2 seconds before returning to the starting position to complete a rep

    Like the bent-over variety mentioned in exercise six above, the cable reverse fly is a fantastic method of building your rear delts while avoiding unnecessary strain on your back. 

    Consequently, this is the perfect exercise if you are recovering from a back injury or a series of back exercises such as deadlifts. 

    Here are our top three cable machines to use below.

    Preview
    Overall Best
    XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine with Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks, 19 Adjustments, and Accessory Package XM-7626
    Best Alternative
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Dual 160 Lb. Weight Stacks
    Best Budget
    Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station with LAT Pull, Row Bar, and Multi-Grip Pull-Up Station
    Product Name
    XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Cable Machine
    Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station
    Weight
    Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks
    Two 160 lb. weight stacks
    Max weight of 250 Pounds
    Adjustments
    19 Settings
    20 Settings
    17 Settings
    Dimensions
    86.2 x 36.2 x 8.9 inches
    ‎42.3 x 62.6 x 83 inches
    ‎80 x 7 x 7 inches
    Accessories
    Hand straps, long strap handles, triceps rope, short bar, long bar, leg extension leg curl strap, and ankle strap.
    Chinning bar and two weight stacks.
    Not Stated
    Overall Best
    Preview
    XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine with Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks, 19 Adjustments, and Accessory Package XM-7626
    Product Name
    XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine
    Weight
    Dual 200 lb Weight Stacks
    Adjustments
    19 Settings
    Dimensions
    86.2 x 36.2 x 8.9 inches
    Accessories
    Hand straps, long strap handles, triceps rope, short bar, long bar, leg extension leg curl strap, and ankle strap.
    Interested?
    Best Alternative
    Preview
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Functional Trainer Cable Machine, Dual 160 Lb. Weight Stacks
    Product Name
    Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Cable Machine
    Weight
    Two 160 lb. weight stacks
    Adjustments
    20 Settings
    Dimensions
    ‎42.3 x 62.6 x 83 inches
    Accessories
    Chinning bar and two weight stacks.
    Interested?
    Best Budget
    Preview
    Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station with LAT Pull, Row Bar, and Multi-Grip Pull-Up Station
    Product Name
    Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station
    Weight
    Max weight of 250 Pounds
    Adjustments
    17 Settings
    Dimensions
    ‎80 x 7 x 7 inches
    Accessories
    Not Stated
    Interested?

     

    8. Cable Upright Row 

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by standing hip-width apart and facing the weights of the cable crossover machine
    • Attach a long straight bar to the bottom pulley system of the cable crossover machine
    • Pull the bar upwards until it reaches your chest.
    • Pause for a few seconds while engaging your core and shoulders before slowly returning the weight to the starting position to complete a rep

    While this exercise is ideal for targeting lateral delts and surrounding muscle groups, only intermediate athletes should attempt this.

    It can be an uncomfortable movement to perform, which may lead to injury if done incorrectly. 

     

    9. Cable Cuban Press 

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by attaching a straight revolving bar to a low pulley on the cable system
    • Grip the cable in front of your thighs using an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width
    • Engage your core; bend your arms and upright row the bar to your chest
    • Rotate your arms out while raising the bar to your forehead
    • Press the handle up and overhead until your arms lock 

    Pause for 1-2 seconds and engage your shoulder muscles before slowly returning the bar to the starting position to complete a rep.  

    The Cuban press is popular; it is a complex shoulder exercise that works all three delts simultaneously.

    The Cuban press is an ideal exercise to end a shoulder workout or when you are short on time. 

     

    10. Cable Supine Reverse Fly

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by attaching pulley handles at the highest point of each side of the cable crossover machine
    • Hold the left cable with your right hand and the right cable with your left hand, so the cables are crossing each other.
    • Lie down on a bench in between the two sides of the cable crossover machine while keeping your shoulders aligned with the handles
    • Pull both handles down and toward your sides until your arms are fully extended and level with your head.
    • Slowly return to the starting position to complete a rep.

    While this exercise may seem unorthodox and challenging, it’s simple to perform, as lying on your back provides ample support, allowing you to focus on engaging your posterior delt. 

     

    11. Rotator Cuff Rotation 

    Method: 

    • Begin the exercise by adjusting the cable and its handle to elbow height
    • Stand upright hip-width apart with your left side facing the weight of the cable crossover machine
    • Grab the handle with your opposite arm and bend your able at a 90-degree angle while keeping your arm tucked into your right side
    • Pull the cable across your body to fully rotate your shoulder
    • Pause for 1-2 seconds and engage your shoulder muscles
    • Return to the starting position to complete a rep
    • Alternative arms per set

    Although this exercise will provide limited muscle growth and strength, it is vitally important in improving the flexibility of your shoulders, specifically your rotator cuffs. 

     

    Why You Should Use Machines to Build Your Shoulders? ?‍♂️

    Why You Should Use Machines to Build Your Shoulders

    Although free weight shoulder exercises are vital in improving flexibility and overall toning, isolation shoulder exercises of the delts allow for targeted muscle growth and strength.

    Furthermore, machines provide stability and form assistance to push your shoulder isolation exercises to the limit without worrying about suffering an injury.

    Because it can be difficult to visualize how and why you need to target each delt muscle, the following links provide additional information on the anatomy of delts and the importance of individual delt training to avoid injury. 

     

    Conclusion ?

    Cable Machines Exposed

    In conclusion, investing in the correct machines is essential for targeted isolation exercises of the delts.

    We believe the above machine shoulder exercises with the proper form and variety will produce excellent results!

    However, we also recommend other forms of cardiovascular and aerobic exercises to improve shoulder flexibility; therefore, we highly recommend you research shoulder exercises you can do while swimming and rowing.

    Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    nv-author-image

    James Wright

    James (36) has been working out since he was 15 years old. He has a home gym where he pumps iron, does bodyweight workouts and boxing. He likes sharing his experiences with others who want to build a better physique.

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