All Exercises

Cable Kneeling Shoulder Press

Strengthen your shoulders and core with the Cable Kneeling Shoulder Press. This exercise builds deltoid and triceps strength while improving stability.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

This exercise involves pressing a cable weight while in a kneeling position, primarily targeting the shoulder muscles.

How to Do Cable Kneeling Shoulder Press

  1. 1
    Setup

    Kneel on one knee with the opposite foot flat on the floor, facing away from the cable machine. Adjust the cable pulley to shoulder height.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Grasp the cable handle with an overhand grip in the hand opposite your kneeling knee. Ensure your core is engaged and spine is neutral.

  3. 3

    Press the handle straight overhead until your arm is fully extended, exhaling as you push.

  4. 4

    Slowly and with control, lower the handle back to the starting shoulder-height position, inhaling as you return.

  5. 5

    Complete all repetitions on one side before switching your kneeling position and repeating on the other side.

Tips

  • Maintain a stable core throughout the movement to prevent arching your lower back, keeping your rib cage down and pelvis tucked slightly.
  • Focus on a smooth, controlled motion, especially during the eccentric (lowering) phase, to maximize muscle engagement and minimize injury risk.
  • Keep your elbow slightly tucked (about 45 degrees) rather than flaring it straight out to the side, which helps protect your shoulder joint.
  • Ensure the cable is aligned with your shoulder; if it's too far forward or back, it can place undue stress on the joint and reduce effectiveness.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Arching the lower back reduces core engagement and puts stress on the spine; fix this by actively bracing your core and maintaining a neutral spine throughout the press.
  • ×Using momentum to jerk the weight up rather than pressing it with controlled strength indicates the weight is too heavy; fix this by selecting a lighter weight and focusing on a deliberate, smooth press.
  • ×Shrugging your shoulders towards your ears during the press can lead to neck tension; fix this by actively depressing and packing your shoulders down, engaging your lats slightly.

Variations

Related Exercises

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