External Rotation with Cable

A shoulders exercise targeting the shoulders, performed with cable.

External Rotation with Cable demonstration
External Rotation with Cable — demonstration

Body part

Shoulders

Equipment

Cable

Target muscles

Shoulders

Secondary muscles

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How to do External Rotation with Cable

  1. Adjust the cable to the same height as your elbow. Stand with your left side to the band a couple of feet away.

  2. Grasp the handle with your right hand, and keep your elbow pressed firmly to your side. We recommend you hold a pad or foam roll in place with your elbow to keep it firmly in position.

  3. With your upper arm in position, your elbow should be flexed to 90 degrees with your hand reaching across the front of your torso. This will be your starting position.

  4. Execute the movement by rotating your arm in a backhand motion, keeping your elbow in place.

Muscles worked

Primary (target)

Shoulders

Secondary

None listed

Related exercises

All shoulders exercises →

Track External Rotation with Cable in NutriMind

Log your sets and the app does the rest — automatic PR detection, progression charts for every lift, and progressive overload that adjusts your next workout. Paired with AI nutrition coaching so your training and your plate pull in the same direction.

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