Exercise Comparison
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press vs Arm Circles
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
Only in Arm Circles
Instructions
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
Move the cables to the bottom of the tower and select an appropriate weight.
Grasp the cables and hold them at shoulder height, palms facing forward. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your head and chest up, extend through the elbow to press one side directly over head.
After pausing at the top, return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.
Arm Circles
Stand up and extend your arms straight out by the sides. The arms should be parallel to the floor and perpendicular (90-degree angle) to your torso. This will be your starting position.
Slowly start to make circles of about 1 foot in diameter with each outstretched arm. Breathe normally as you perform the movement.
Continue the circular motion of the outstretched arms for about ten seconds. Then reverse the movement, going the opposite direction.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner exercise using cable, while Arm Circles is beginner and uses none. Choose Alternating Cable Shoulder Press if you have access to cable, or Arm Circles if you prefer none. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Arm Circles isolates the target muscle for focused development.