Fysiqal

Isolation · Beginner

Machine Lateral Raise

Isolation isolation exercise using machine.
Machine Lateral Raise demonstration (no audio).
Movement pattern
Isolation
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Machine
Mechanics
Isolation
Sides
Bilateral
Main plane
Frontal

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How to do the Machine Lateral Raise

Cues reviewed by Kwabena Osei on

Setup

Seated with your upper arms against the machine's arm pads, elbows slightly bent.

  1. Raise your arms out to the sides until roughly parallel to the floor, leading with your elbows against the pads.

  2. Lower under control back to the start -- the machine's fixed path still limits true abduction to about 90 degrees at the shoulder before scapular rotation takes over.

Common mistakes

  • Shrugging the shoulders up toward the ears to help move the weight instead of isolating the raise at the shoulder joint.

  • Using more weight than the shoulder's bony structure comfortably allows in this position, same caution as the free-weight version.

Muscles worked

Primary

Secondary

How the knowledge graph models this movement

Each joint action, with the role and emphasis the graph assigns each muscle. These are qualitative anatomical labels, not measured muscle activation.

  • Shoulder abductionprimary action

    Medial deltoid (prime mover, high emphasis); Supraspinatus (synergist, moderate emphasis); Anterior deltoid (synergist, low emphasis); Posterior deltoid (synergist, low emphasis); Trapezius (synergist, moderate emphasis)

  • Scapula elevationsecondary action

    Trapezius (synergist, low emphasis); Serratus anterior (stabilizer, low emphasis)

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Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy or medical conditions.