Cable lateral raise alternatives

Dumbbells and a lateral-raise machine offer other ways to raise the upper arms out to the sides when a low cable and single handle are unavailable.

The original works one arm at a time against a low pulley. Two-arm dumbbell or machine versions change the resistance direction, support and set counting; select their loads separately.

Anatomical illustration of a man performing a one-arm cable lateral raise, with the working shoulder highlighted.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Anatomical illustration of a standing dumbbell lateral raise. On the left, a muscular male figure in shorts stands upright with a dumbbell hanging in each hand beside the thighs. On the right, the same figure has both arms raised out to the sides to roughly shoulder height, elbows almost straight, the dumbbells level with the shoulders. In the raised frame both shoulders are shaded red across their outer and upper surfaces; in the starting frame only the figure's left one is, the other left plain. In each frame the shading continues down over the outer chest below that shoulder. The rest of the body is drawn in plain grey muscle anatomy.

    Similar movement

    Dumbbell lateral raise

    You need: Dumbbells

    Why it fits
    Keeps a sideward upper-arm raise with a small, steady elbow bend.
    What changes
    The guide raises both free weights together while standing. Gravity replaces the low cable’s pull, and both sides work in the same rep instead of separate cable sets.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a man raising his upper arms on a seated lateral raise machine, with the shoulders highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Machine lateral raise

    You need: Lateral raise machine

    Why it fits
    Keeps a sideward upper-arm raise on guided levers.
    What changes
    You sit against a pad and drive the upper arms into elbow pads. The pads replace a handheld cable handle; align the seat and pivot, then set a new machine load.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

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