AnatomyScope
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Cable external rotation

Cable or band

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

Rotating the forearm outward with the elbow at the side isolates the rotator cuff's external rotators.

Form cues

  • Towel between elbow and torso
  • Rotate only at the shoulder
  • Light load, slow tempo
Full cable external rotation guide →

What each muscle does in the cable external rotation

MuscleRoleAction
InfraspinatusPrimaryLaterally rotates the arm and stabilises the shoulder joint
Teres minorPrimaryLaterally rotates the arm and stabilises the shoulder joint
Posterior deltoidSecondaryExtends, horizontally abducts and laterally rotates the arm

Primary muscles are the prime movers; secondary muscles assist or stabilise. The balance shifts with grip, stance, range of motion and technique.

Related exercises