Exercise Comparison
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press vs Shoulder Circles
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
Only in Shoulder 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.
Shoulder Circles
With shoulders relaxed and arms resting loosely at your sides (or in your lap if you're seated), gently roll your shoulders forward, up, back, and down.
Reverse direction. You can do this exercise alternating shoulders or both at the same time.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner exercise using cable, while Shoulder Circles is beginner and uses none. Choose Alternating Cable Shoulder Press if you have access to cable, or Shoulder Circles if you prefer none.