Stronger and more toned shoulders and arms on your wishlist? At Village Health & Wellness Clubs, we’ve got the best equipment that will have you flexing on insta in no time. Whether you’re a machine newbie or pro, our gym machines make it simple to build your upper-body balance, strength and add definition to your shoulders and arms.
Check out our guide to see how these machines work and get tips on making the most of your shoulder and arm workouts.
Why Use Gym Machines for Shoulders & Arms?
Ever feel like you could use a bit more control when working with free weights? That’s where our gym machines step in - they do the ‘heavy lifting’ when it comes to guiding your movements.
They’re a safe, effective way to focus on your shoulder muscles and arms whilst perfecting your form and technique, all with less risk of injury. Whether you’re a beginner or not, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. And if you’re unsure where to start, our friendly staff are always happy to show you the ropes so you can feel confident using them on your own.
Benefits of Using Gym Machines for Shoulders & Arms:
-
They guide your movements, helping you stay in the right position and reducing the risk of injury.
-
Perfect for isolating key muscles like your delts, biceps, and triceps for more focused results.
-
Resistance is easy to adjust, so you can tailor your workout to match your fitness level and goals.
-
They’re perfect if you’re stuck in a workout rut or ready to step out of your free-weights comfort zone. Mixing in machines keeps things fresh and helps you build a balanced upper-body routine.
Top Machines for Shoulders & Arms at Village Health & Wellness clubs
Now, let’s talk about the machines that can really take your shoulder and arm workouts to the next level. Sometimes you just need something that you know will work and feels good. These machines are great for pushing yourself, nailing your form, or switching things up to keep it interesting.
Shoulder Press Machine
The shoulder press machine is amazing for building strong, stable shoulders. It works your delts, traps, and triceps all at once, so go ahead and tick off a few muscles with this machine. Plus, pressing upwards helps with posture and makes your shoulders feel stronger and more supported. Now who wouldn’t want that?
Why Use It?
Building strong shoulders can make life so much easier. Imagine carrying all your heavy food shopping with ease, sounds good right? And if you’re after more definition or strength, this machine is the one for you.
Top Tip:
-
Adjust the seat so the handles are level with your shoulders. It keeps everything in the right place and helps avoid strain.
-
And if you needed any more incentive to give the shoulder press machine a go - you’re actually working your core as well. Hello multi-tasker!
Machine Lateral Raise
If you’re looking for a machine that shapes your shoulders and arms then this is the one. The lateral raise machine targets the lateral deltoids which are the sides of your shoulders, giving them a nice rounded look.
Why Use It?
If you’re aiming for that “capped” shoulder look, or to widen out your frame then this machine will help you achieve this. It will also help improve your stability for other lifts and every day movements.
Top Tips:
-
Keep the resistance light and focus on controlled movements. Remember, quality over quantity!
-
You can even adjust the seat height every so often to target different angles of your shoulders for a well-rounded workout.
Bicep Curl Machine
This machine is all about isolating your biceps, making it perfect for toning and strengthening the front of your arms. It’s super easy to use and great for focusing your effort exactly where it counts.
Why Use It?
If you want arms that feel as strong as they look, this machine is for you. It’s brilliant for improving your grip strength and supporting other exercises like pull-ups and rows, not to mention making everyday lifting tasks feel effortless - you’ll be feeling as strong as The Hulk in no time!
Top Tip:
-
Keep your elbows close to your body to really focus on your biceps.
-
Switch up your grip to hit different parts of the muscle. Wide, narrow, or standard all do the trick.
Triceps Extension Machine
Now, the back of your arms is not one everyone remembers to workout. But your triceps play a big role in really sculpting out your arm muscles, giving you a very toned appearance and strength. The downward extension motion of the tricep extension machine is a simple but essential move to add into your upper-body routine.
Why Use It?
Ever feel like your arms are only strong in one direction? This machine fixes that by targeting push movements. Whether it’s bench presses or push-ups, building strong triceps makes a world of difference.
Top Tips:
-
Make sure to keep a slight bend in your elbows at the end of the movement as this keeps the focus on your triceps and helps protect your joints.
-
Try overhead extensions on this machine for a new challenge and to target a different part of the tricep muscle.
Cable Machine for Shoulder & Arm Exercises
Time for the show-stopper—the cable machine. This bit of kit does it all, from tricep pushdowns to bicep curls and rear delt flys. It’s brilliant for keeping constant tension on your muscles, giving you that satisfying burn, building strength and really making every rep count.
Why Use It?
With the cable machine you can fine-tune your form, hitting muscles you might otherwise miss with free weights. Plus, the constant tension is amazing for upping your endurance and strength in your shoulders and arms. Performing a rear delt fly will even help you fix your posture, and we could all use a bit of that!
Top Tip: If you feel like you’re a little weaker on one side then use single arm exercises to personalise and correct them to add more precision to your movements.
Structuring a Complete Shoulder & Arm Workout
When it comes to shoulders and arms, it’s all about balance, no one wants a strong bicep paired with a lagging tricep! Make sure your shoulder and arm workout hits all the key areas for an upper body that stays strong, stable, and well-rounded. Go ahead and try this sample workout to get you going:
-
Shoulder Press Machine - Start with this to build strength and stability in your shoulders.
-
Machine Lateral Raise - Add width and shape to your shoulders with this next move.
-
Bicep Curl Machine - Focus on those front-arm muscles for strength and tone.
-
Triceps Extension Machine - Balance things out by working the back of your arms.
-
Cable Machine - Finish strong with rear delt flys or tricep pushdowns for that extra edge in stability and definition.
Go for 2–3 sets of 10–12 repetitions for each exercise, tweaking the resistance as needed.
Top Tip: Supersets are a great way to make this workout more efficient and challenging. Pair up exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions with no rest in between for a surefire way to feel the burn and save time.
FAQs
What are the best gym machines for shoulders?
The shoulder press and machine lateral raise are top choices for building strength and definition in your shoulders.
Which machine is best for toning arms?
Bicep curl and triceps extension machines are perfect for toning and strengthening your arms by working the front and back muscles for balanced results.
What’s a good exercise for rear delts?
The rear delt fly on a cable machine is a good one for targeting the back of your shoulders. It helps improve posture and shoulder stability. Something many of us need, especially if we spend long hours at a desk or frequently look down at our phones.
How often should I train shoulders and arms?
Train your shoulders and arms 1–2 times per week, allowing at least 48 hours of rest between sessions for proper recovery.
Can I combine shoulder machines with free weights?
Yes! Mixing machines with free weights, like dumbbell shoulder presses or bicep curls, adds variety and helps build functional strength.
What are the best warm-up and cool-down tips for shoulder and arm workouts?
Warm-Up – Spend 5–10 minutes warming up with light cardio, like cycling, Stairmaster or rowing to increase blood flow to your upper body. Add dynamic stretches like shoulder circles or arm swings to activate your shoulder muscles and prepare them for exercise.
Cool-Down – After your workout, stretch your shoulders and arms to release tension and improve flexibility. Focus on static stretches, like triceps stretches or chest openers, to promote muscle recovery and prevent stiffness so you get the best results.
Build Stronger Shoulders & Arms at Village Health & Wellness clubs
Village Health & Wellness clubs have all the equipment you need for the best shoulder and arm workouts. You can even tap into our resource of expert trainers happy to help you reach your fitness goals. Visit your nearest Village Health & Wellness clubs to start your shoulder and arm routine today.
To get personalised help, check out our personal training options. For more fitness tips, check out our blog. You can also explore our memberships and classes to improve your strength training journey.
