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
- 1Setup
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.
- 2Setup
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
Press the handle straight overhead until your arm is fully extended, exhaling as you push.
- 4
Slowly and with control, lower the handle back to the starting shoulder-height position, inhaling as you return.
- 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

Cable Shoulder Internal Rotation
Strengthen your shoulder internal rotators with cable internal rotations. Improve shoulder stability, posture, and reduce injury risk for overhead

Cable Shoulder Press
Strengthen your shoulders and triceps with the Cable Shoulder Press. This exercise targets the deltoid anterior for powerful, sculpted shoulders.

Cable Front Shoulder Raise
Target your anterior deltoids with the Cable Front Shoulder Raise. This isolation exercise builds shoulder strength and definition.

Cable Alternate Shoulder Press
Build strong, sculpted shoulders with the Cable Alternate Shoulder Press. This exercise targets your deltoids, improving strength and stability one arm at
Related Exercises

Cable Lying Cross Lateral Raise
The Cable Lying Cross Lateral Raise targets the lateral deltoids for broader shoulders. Perform lying face down, pulling cables across your body.

Cable Front Raise
Sculpt strong, defined shoulders with the Cable Front Raise. This isolation exercise targets your anterior deltoids, helping to build frontal shoulder

Cable Forward Raise
Target your anterior deltoids with the Cable Forward Raise. This isolation exercise builds shoulder strength and definition by lifting a cable handle

Resistance Band Overhead Shoulder Press
Perform a resistance band overhead shoulder press to build stronger, more defined deltoids.

Assisted Standing Triceps Dip
Build triceps strength with machine assistance that lets you focus on proper dip form at a manageable load.

Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.
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