Exercise Comparison
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press vs Barbell Shoulder Press
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Barbell Shoulder Press
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.
Barbell Shoulder Press
Sit on a bench with back support in a squat rack. Position a barbell at a height that is just above your head. Grab the barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing forward).
Once you pick up the barbell with the correct grip width, lift the bar up over your head by locking your arms. Hold at about shoulder level and slightly in front of your head. This is your starting position.
Lower the bar down to the shoulders slowly as you inhale.
Lift the bar back up to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner exercise using cable, while Barbell Shoulder Press is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Alternating Cable Shoulder Press if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Barbell Shoulder Press for a greater challenge.