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Exercise Comparison

Alternating Cable Shoulder Press vs Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck

Alternating Cable Shoulder Press - starting position
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press - ending position
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
beginner·Cable·compound
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck - starting position
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck - ending position
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
VS
Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck
beginner
Level
intermediate
Cable
Equipment
Barbell
compound
Mechanic
compound
push
Force
push
Strength
Category
Strength
shoulders
Primary
shoulders
triceps
Secondary
triceps

Muscle Analysis

Shared

shoulderstriceps

Instructions

Alternating Cable Shoulder Press

1

Move the cables to the bottom of the tower and select an appropriate weight.

2

Grasp the cables and hold them at shoulder height, palms facing forward. This will be your starting position.

3

Keeping your head and chest up, extend through the elbow to press one side directly over head.

4

After pausing at the top, return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck

1

This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for easier pick up of the bar. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.

2

Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.

3

Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Your back should be kept straight while performing this exercise. This will be your starting position.

4

Elevate the barbell overhead by fully extending your arms while breathing out.

5

Hold the contraction for a second and lower the barbell back down to the starting position by inhaling.

6

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Verdict

Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Cable Shoulder Press is a beginner exercise using cable, while Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Alternating Cable Shoulder Press if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Standing Barbell Press Behind Neck for a greater challenge.

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