← All exercises

Diagonal Opens Alternative

12 substitute exercises that target the same muscles

1
Shoulders Rotation demonstration

Shoulders Rotation
2
Palms Above Head Elbow Squeeze demonstration

Palms Above Head Elbow Squeeze
3
Barbell Shoulder Grip Upright Row demonstration

Barbell Shoulder Grip Upright Row
4
Smith Hang Clean demonstration

Smith Hang Clean
5
Ring Y Raise demonstration

Ring Y Raise
6
Stationary Arms Throw demonstration

Stationary Arms Throw
7
Kettlebell Upright Row demonstration

Kettlebell Upright Row
8
Circles Elbow Arm demonstration

Circles Elbow Arm
9
Barbell Overhead Squat demonstration

Barbell Overhead Squat
10
Full Arm Rotation demonstration

Full Arm Rotation
11
Front and Back Arms Rotation demonstration

Front and Back Arms Rotation
12
Standing Arms Circling demonstration

Standing Arms Circling

Criteria used to find exercise alternatives

Same target muscles

We rank alternatives highest when their primary muscles exactly match. i.e: same target muscle, different movement.

Full muscle overlap

Secondary muscles and synergists are scored too, keeping the overall movement pattern close to the original lift.

Equipment considered

Equipment overlap nudges similar-kit options up the list. But we include different-equipment alternatives too so you're never stuck.

What the Diagonal Opens trains

Primary Deltoid Anterior Deltoid Lateral

Secondary Trapezius Middle Fibers Trapezius Upper Fibers

Your Best Workout Starts Here

Download Free on the App Store. No account needed. Works offline.

Download on the App Store

@2026. All Right Reserved.