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Exercise guide

Seated Cable Shoulder Press

How to do the Seated Cable Shoulder Press with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundCableBeginnerPush
Primary muscles

Shoulders

Secondary

Triceps

Equipment

Cable

Step by step

How to do the Seated Cable Shoulder Press

  1. 1

    Adjust the weight to an appropriate amount and be seated, grasping the handles. Your upper arms should be about 90 degrees to the body, with your head and chest up. The elbows should also be bent to about 90 degrees. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Begin by extending through the elbow, pressing the handles together above your head.

  3. 3

    After pausing at the top, return the handles to the starting position. Ensure that you maintain tension on the cables.

  4. 4

    You can also execute this movement with your back off the pad and alternate hands.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Seated Cable Shoulder Press set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your shoulders volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Seated Cable Shoulder Press fits

The Seated Cable Shoulder Press shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More shoulders exercises

FAQ

Seated Cable Shoulder Press: common questions

What muscles does the Seated Cable Shoulder Press work?

The Seated Cable Shoulder Press primarily works the Shoulders. It also recruits the Triceps as supporting muscles.

Is the Seated Cable Shoulder Press suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Seated Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Seated Cable Shoulder Press?

To do the Seated Cable Shoulder Press you'll need a cable machine.

Is the Seated Cable Shoulder Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The Seated Cable Shoulder Press is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the Seated Cable Shoulder Press with correct form?

Adjust the weight to an appropriate amount and be seated, grasping the handles. Your upper arms should be about 90 degrees to the body, with your head and chest up. The elbows should also be bent to about 90 degrees. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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