Shoulder exercises

Cable Face Pull

Also known as: Face pull à la poulie · Face pull στην τροχαλία · face pulls · rope face pull

Primary
Shoulders
Equipment
Cable
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
1 min

How to do the Cable Face Pull

  1. Set the pulley slightly above head height and grab the rope with your thumbs pointing back.

  2. Step back one or two steps so your arms are extended in front of you.

  3. Pull the rope toward your face, spreading your hands apart with your elbows high.

  4. Pause while squeezing your shoulder blades, then return slowly.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Shoulders

Secondary

Upper back, Traps

Three heads, three jobs: the front delts press, the side delts raise your arms out and give width, the rear delts pull back. Train all three.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Cable Face Pull doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

Train smarter

More shoulders

See all 113 →

Cable shoulder exercises