

Do you get fascinated with those who have 3D shoulders? No doubt, your shoulders look more polished and attractive with well-sculpted shoulders. You can achieve it with one simple exercise – face pulls. The face pull exercise is a simple workout with a cable or band to work the shoulder muscles and upper back.
Not just shoulders, face pulls can help you improve your posture and even ease shoulder pain. Curious to know how this can transform your fitness game? This blog has all the answers.
Face Pull Exercise: A Brief Description
The face pull exercise is a resistance type of workout that targets the upper trapezius, rhomboids and the rear deltoids. You can perform the workout by standing or facing a resistance band or cable machine anchored at head height. When you pull the band or the cable towards the face, you get to engage all your small and essential muscles that keep the shoulders perfectly aligned and healthy.
Performing Face Pull: How to Do It?
Conducting the cable face pulls is not that difficult. You just need to follow the steps listed below:
- Step 1: To begin the workout, attach the resistance band to a good anchor or set up a cable at an upper-chest level.
- Step 2: Use an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart, and thumbs should point backwards.
- Step 3: The next thing you need to do in this shoulder face pulls workout is to stand with your hips apart, your core needs to be tight, and your knees soft.
- Step 4: Now, you should pull the cable or band towards the face, which puts the elbows and hands at eye level.
- Step 5: When pulling, you should squeeze the shoulder blades together for 1 to 2 seconds.
- Step 6: In the next step, you should slowly release it back to start and keep the tension in the cable or band.
- Step 7: In this face pull target muscles are different, you should aim for 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps. Perform the exercise 2 or more days every week.
While doing face pulls, these muscles are engaged – rhomboids, rear delts, lower traps, teres major, teres minor, and infraspinatus.
How Advantageous is the Face Pull Exercise?
You will come across countless face pull benefits, and some of the essential ones are mentioned below:
- Improved Posture: When you do this workout, it will help strengthen the muscles located in the upper back section. It will enable you to stand tall and even lower your forward-rolled shoulders.
- Better Shoulder Health: The most remarkable thing about the face pull workout is that it enhances the scapular stability to lessen the risks of rotator-cuff pain and injuries.
- Enhanced Performance: Performing this exercise will provide you with a strong upper back, allowing you to do push-ups and overhead presses efficiently.
- Injuries Prevention: Through this workout, you will acquire strong rear deltoids and traps that will help protect the shoulder joints during exercises and daily tasks.
- Balance the Strength: Face pulls for back workout will let you perform chest-dominant exercises efficiently and correct muscle imbalances.
Read More: Master Arnold Press Exercise for Ultimate Shoulder Gains
Conclusion
The face pull exercise for shoulders is simple, quick and low-risk, which anyone can add to their workout routine. This exercise mainly targets the hard-to-reach muscles and, in return, helps enhance the posture, strengthens the shoulder, and even prevents unwanted ailments. Once you know how to do face pulls, you can perform them regularly to keep yourself in excellent condition. Be sure to include this exercise in your next workout session.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Face Pull Exercise
Can beginners do face pulls safely?
Yes, start with a light band and focus on form before increasing resistance.
How often should I do face pulls?
Aim for 2–3 times per week, allowing a day of rest between sessions.
Will face pulls help with neck pain?
The face pull exercise for the shoulders can ease neck tension by strengthening upper-back muscles that support the neck.
Do I need equipment for face pulls?
A resistance band works well at home; gyms often have cable machines.
How else can I improve shoulder health?
Combine cable face pulls for back with chest stretches, external rotations, and posture checks.