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Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise

The cable seated rear lateral raise is an isolation exercise targeting the rear deltoids, with secondary emphasis on the traps and rhomboids. It is performed seated at a cable machine, raising the arms laterally to shoulder height.

Quick Facts

Body PartsShoulders
Target MusclesDelts
Secondary MusclesTraps and Rhomboids
EquipmentCable
DifficultyIntermediate
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise with proper form and technique.

  1. Sit on a bench facing the cable machine with your feet flat on the ground.
  2. Grasp the cable handles with an overhand grip and extend your arms straight in front of you.
  3. Keeping your arms straight, slowly raise them out to the sides until they are parallel to the floor.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your arms back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Delts

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

TrapsRhomboids

Benefits of Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise

Incorporating Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Delts Development: Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise directly targets and strengthens the Delts, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Traps and Rhomboids, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Constant Tension: Cable machines provide consistent resistance throughout the entire range of motion, maximizing muscle engagement and time under tension.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Delts and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Check Cable Condition: Before use, inspect the cable for any signs of fraying or damage. Ensure the attachment is securely connected.
  • Shoulder Protection: Avoid flaring your elbows excessively, which can strain the shoulder joint. Keep your shoulders packed and stable.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Delts typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Cable Seated Rear Lateral Raise, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

Weight

Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.

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