How to Use Cables for Side, Front, and Rear Delts

If you want bigger, stronger shoulders, cables deserve a spot in your program.

Unlike dumbbells, where resistance drops off at certain points, cables keep tension on the muscle through the entire range of motion. That means more stimulus, better mechanics, and a safer way to push your shoulders close to failure. Even better, you can adjust cable height and grip to hit the front, side, and rear delts directly.

Some of the best cable shoulder moves include cable lateral raises for the side delts, underhand front raises for the front delts, and rear delt flyes for the back. Add in presses, upright rows, and face pulls, and you have a full workout that challenges all three heads while protecting your joints.

Use these as part of structured cable workouts for mass, like the three routines we break down. Each combines isolation and compound movements to build rounded shoulders that look strong from every angle.

Cables are versatile, safe, and effective. If you are looking to grow your shoulders, it is time to move beyond dumbbells and machines and start training with cables.

Need more? Check out the powerlifting app for specific programs.

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Related Reading

• Overhead Press: Full Guide with Demos

• How to Do Incline Dumbbell Press (With Demos)

• 20 Rear Delt Workouts (Barbell, Dumbbell, Cable, Machine)

• Eccentric vs Concentric Squat: What’s The Difference?

• 7 Reasons To Do Tempo Squats

• How Do Powerlifters Train Shoulders (Definitive Guide)