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Speed for this exercise

Single-Arm Machine Lateral Raise

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3sets
12-15reps /side
45srest
~3.7kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
Traps

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Shoulders

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inShoulders

A burn on the side of the shoulders — not the neck.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Lead with the elbows, reach wide, stop at shoulder height.”

Tempo · Up 2 s · pause 1 · down 2 s

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Neck / upper trapsShrugging and lifting too high. Think "shoulders away from ears", stop at shoulder height, go lighter.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripGripping hard and lifting with the wrists. Hold lightly and lead with the elbows, pinky slightly up.
  • Feel it in Lower backSwinging the body. Use lighter weights, stand tall with soft knees, or do it seated.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Sit tall with your back supported so the target muscle does the work.
  • Train one side at a time and match the reps on both sides.
  • Keep your torso against the pad and avoid shrugging as you lift.
  • A great finisher because the fixed path lets you train safely close to failure.
  • Adjust the seat so your joint lines up with the machine’s pivot point.

Common mistakes

  • Jerking the weight up with momentum instead of a smooth lift.

Breathing

Exhale as you raise, inhale as you lower.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle