Shoulders shrug on the raise
Upper traps elevate; medial deltoid is underloaded.
Overactive muscles
Upper trapeziusLevator scapulae
Corrective work
Foam RollUpper traps↗StretchLevator scapulae stretch↗Push · Upper Body
Bilateral Cable Lateral Raise
Coaching cues
- One cable on each side; cross-body grip; raise both arms simultaneously
- Lead with the elbows; raise to shoulder height
- Constant cable tension provides more stimulus than dumbbells at the bottom
- Pause at shoulder height; lower slowly under cable tension
Common faults 2
Trunk rocks back to assist the bilateral raise
Erectors and hip extensors assist; bilateral raise becomes a cheat.
Overactive muscles
Erector spinaeHip flexors
Corrective work
Foam RollErector spinae↗StretchHalf-kneeling hip flexor stretch↗