Exercise Comparison
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press vs Crucifix
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
Only in Crucifix
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.
Crucifix
In the crucifix, you statically hold weights out to the side for time. While the event can be practiced using dumbbells, it is best to practice with one of the various implements used, such as axes and hammers, as it feels different.
Begin standing, and raise your arms out to the side holding the implements. Your arms should be parallel to the ground. In competition, judges or sensors are used to let you know when you break parallel. Hold for as long as you can. Typically, the weights should be heavy enough that you fail in 30-60 seconds.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner exercise using cable, while Crucifix is beginner and uses other. Choose Alternating Cable Shoulder Press if you have access to cable, or Crucifix if you prefer other. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Crucifix isolates the target muscle for focused development.