Machine lateral raise alternatives

Dumbbells and a low cable provide alternatives for raising the upper arms to the sides when the seated elbow-pad machine is unavailable.

The machine supports the torso and applies resistance through pads near the elbows. Free weights or a single cable handle change support, resistance direction and side counting.

Anatomical illustration of a man raising his upper arms on a seated lateral raise machine, with the shoulders 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 upper-arm raises out to the sides.
    What changes
    Both hands hold free weights while standing rather than pressing the elbows into seated pads. Keep the small elbow bend steady and stop around shoulder height without swinging.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a man performing a one-arm cable lateral raise, with the working shoulder highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Cable lateral raise

    You need: Adjustable cable pulley set low + Single cable handle

    Why it fits
    Keeps a sideward shoulder raise against adjustable resistance.
    What changes
    The linked guide stands side-on and works the far arm with one low handle. Train each side separately; a handheld cable replaces the machine’s elbow pads and guided levers.
    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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