Exercise guide

Face Pull

The Face Pull targets the rear delts and upper back by pulling the cable toward the face with external shoulder rotation.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Intermediate
Movement
Compound
Bodyweight
No
How to

How to do the Face Pull

  1. 01

    Attach a rope handle to a high cable pulley.

  2. 02

    Stand facing the machine and grip the rope with both hands.

  3. 03

    Step back to create tension and keep your arms extended.

  4. 04

    Pull the rope toward your face while driving your elbows outward.

  5. 05

    Separate the rope slightly at the end of the movement.

  6. 06

    Slowly return to the starting position under control.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Keep your elbows high during the pull
  • Focus on squeezing your rear delts and upper back
  • Control the return phase to maintain tension
Muscles

Muscles worked

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the Face Pull work?

The Face Pull primarily targets the Shoulders. Supporting muscles include Back.

Is the Face Pull a compound or isolation exercise?

The Face Pull is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups and joints in a single movement.

What difficulty level is the Face Pull?

The Face Pull is rated as intermediate difficulty. Some training experience is helpful for performing this exercise safely.

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