Alternating Shoulder Press (Cable)

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
cable
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

Pressing movement performed with cables while alternating arms, demanding core stability and shoulder strength on each side independently.

Instructions

  1. Stand in a staggered or split stance facing away from a cable machine with handles set to shoulder height.
  2. Hold the handles at shoulder height with elbows bent at approximately 90 degrees.
  3. Press one arm straight overhead, fully extending the elbow.
  4. Lower that arm back to shoulder height as you simultaneously press the opposite arm upward.
  5. Continue alternating in a fluid, controlled manner without pausing between repetitions.
  6. Complete all reps for one side, then repeat on the opposite side if desired.

Tips

  • Stand with feet staggered to provide better core stability during the alternating motion.
  • Press explosively upward but lower with control to maximize time under tension.
  • Keep your core engaged throughout to prevent excessive trunk rotation.
  • Maintain neutral spine alignment without arching your lower back excessively.
  • This unilateral movement helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 17.5 kg 10 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 15 kg 7.5 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 12.5 kg 5 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
One-Arm Kettlebell Military Press To The Side

One-Arm Kettlebell Military Press To The Side

Learn more about one-arm kettlebell military press to the side
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Overhead Shoulder Press (Smith Machine)

Overhead Shoulder Press (Smith Machine)

Learn more about overhead shoulder press (smith machine)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Seated Shoulder Press (Smith Machine)

Learn more about seated shoulder press (smith machine)
beginner strength
See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press)

See-Saw Press (Alternating Side Press)

Learn more about see-saw press (alternating side press)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength

Shoulder Press (Plate-Loaded Machine)

Learn more about shoulder press (plate-loaded machine)
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Standing Alternating Dumbbell Press

Standing Alternating Dumbbell Press

Learn more about standing alternating dumbbell press
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
Standing Palm-In One-Arm Dumbbell Press

Standing Palm-In One-Arm Dumbbell Press

Learn more about standing palm-in one-arm dumbbell press
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength