Shoulder exercises: choose by purpose.

Train shoulder flexion, abduction and rear-delt movement with presses and targeted raises. Compare practical options and choose movements by purpose, equipment and progression.

DIRECT ANSWER

Shoulder exercises are movements used to train shoulder flexion, abduction and rear-delt movement with presses and targeted raises. Exercise choice should fit the athlete, equipment and weekly programme rather than a universal ranking.

What belongs in this group

Train shoulder flexion, abduction and rear-delt movement with presses and targeted raises.

Common options

These examples cover distinct setups rather than a ranked list.

  • Dumbbell shoulder press
  • Cable lateral raise
  • Reverse fly
  • Machine shoulder press

How to choose

Pressing already contributes front-delt work. Use lateral and rear-delt exercises where the weekly plan needs more direct coverage.

Keep the chosen movement stable long enough to compare performance, unless pain, equipment or programme fit requires a change.

Catalogue quality

Bulk Coach's exercise catalogue contains names, instructions, muscles, equipment, movement patterns and substitutions. Individual exercise URLs remain outside the sitemap until their instructions and added programming guidance receive a recorded founder review.

Sources and further reading

  1. Free Exercise DB public-domain source
Updated 7 August 2026Reviewed by James Wood, founder