StrengthShouldersCable Machine45 MinutesBeginner

45 Minutes Beginner Shoulders Workout with Cable Machine

A 45 minutes strength workout targeting your shoulders using cable machine equipment. 3 exercises, 14 total sets, designed for beginner lifters.

45 Minutes

Duration

14

Total Sets

3-6 reps

Rep Range

~735

Est. Calories

The Workout

1
Cable Face Pull with External Rotation
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Start with this as your primary movement. Warm up with 2 lighter sets first.

Form cues
  • Set a cable with rope attachment at upper chest height.
  • Pull the rope toward your face, splitting the ends apart as your elbows reach shoulder height.
  • Rotate your fists upward until your arms form a goal-post position overhead.
2
Cable Upright Row
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Attach a straight bar or EZ bar to a low cable pulley and stand close to the machine.

Form cues
  • Attach a straight bar or EZ bar to a low cable pulley and stand close to the machine.
  • Grip the bar with hands slightly narrower than shoulder width.
  • Pull the bar up along your body until your elbows reach shoulder height.
3
Single-Arm Cable Lateral Raise
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Stand sideways to a low cable, grab the handle with the far hand across your body.
  • Lean slightly away from the cable stack for an even tension curve.
  • Raise your arm out to the side until it reaches shoulder height, leading with the elbow.

Why This Workout Works

This workout is built around the principles of strength training. Center your program around the big compound lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press. Use heavy loads (80-95% 1RM) with low reps and full recovery between sets. Periodize intensity — not every session should be a max effort.

Training Parameters

  • Rep Range: 3-6 repsheavy enough for maximal force production
  • Rest Periods: 3-5 minutesfull recovery between heavy sets
  • Sets Per Exercise: 4-6 sets — optimized for strength

Shoulders Training Tips

  • *Most lifters over-train the front delt and neglect the rear delt — prioritize face pulls and reverse flyes.
  • *Lateral raises work best with lighter weight and strict form — no swinging.
  • *Press overhead with a slight forward lean to keep the bar path over your center of gravity.

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