Exercise Comparison
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press vs Elbow Circles
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
Only in Elbow 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.
Elbow Circles
Sit or stand with your feet slightly apart.
Place your hands on your shoulders with your elbows at shoulder level and pointing out.
Slowly make a circle with your elbows. Breathe out as you start the circle and breathe in as you complete the circle.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner exercise using cable, while Elbow Circles is beginner and uses none. Choose Alternating Cable Shoulder Press if you have access to cable, or Elbow Circles if you prefer none. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Elbow Circles isolates the target muscle for focused development.