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Face Pull

The Face Pull primarily targets your Shoulders, with support from Middle Back. It requires cable and is best suited to intermediate lifters.

Intermediate level · Equipment: Cable · Compound · Pull

Primary muscles: Shoulders Secondary muscles: Middle Back

How to perform Face Pull

  1. Step 1. Facing a high pulley with a rope or dual handles attached, pull the weight directly towards your face, separating your hands as you do so. Keep your upper arms parallel to the ground.

Sample sets & reps for Face Pull

  • Strength accessory: 4 sets × 6-8 reps, 90s rest. 75-80% 1RM, RPE 7-8.
  • Hypertrophy: 3-4 sets × 8-12 reps, 60-90s rest. RPE 8, controlled tempo.
  • Metabolic stress: 3 sets × 15-20 reps, 30-45s rest. RPE 9, last set to failure with rest-pause.

Pick the scheme that matches your goal. Beginners should start at the lower end of every range; progress weight only when you hit the upper end of the rep range with one or two reps in reserve.

Related Shoulders exercises

  • Alternating Deltoid Raise — dumbbell
  • Alternating Kettlebell Press — kettlebell
  • Anti-Gravity Press — barbell
  • Arm Circles — stretch
  • Arnold Dumbbell Press — dumbbell

See all Shoulders exercises →

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