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Exercise Guide
How to do cable front raise
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable front raise is an isolation exercise specifically designed to target the anterior deltoids. Using a cable machine ensures the muscles are under tension from the very beginning of the lift to the very end. This helps in building the front of the shoulders, providing a more complete and rounded look. It also assists in improving shoulder stability and strength for overhead lifting tasks.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine & Attachment: Position yourself facing away from a low-pulley cable machine. Attach a straight bar or rope handle to the low pulley.
- Stance & Grip: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, core engaged, and grasp the attachment with an overhand grip (palms facing down).
- Hand Positioning: Depending on the attachment, let your arms hang straight down in front of you, holding the bar or rope with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Raise: Keeping your arms straight, raise the attachment upward and out in front of you, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows.
- Raise to Shoulder Height: Continue raising the attachment until it's parallel to the floor (or slightly above, if comfortable).
- Pause at the Top: Briefly pause at the top, feeling the contraction in your shoulders.
- Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the attachment back to the starting position in a controlled manner, resisting gravity.
Tips:
- Engage your core: Keep your core tight throughout the entire movement.
- Avoid swinging: Don't use momentum to swing the attachment. The movement should be controlled and deliberate.
- Breathing: Exhale as you raise the attachment, and inhale as you lower it.
- Variation: You can perform this exercise one arm at a time for greater focus and isolation.
Common mistakes: Leaning back to swing the weight up and using momentum rather than controlled shoulder flexion.
Alternatives
Cable
cable front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell
barbell overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell seated behind the neck press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
barbell seated overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench
dumbbell incline y raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine hammer grip shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell
kettlebell strict press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell
kettlebell upright row
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None
pike push-up
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band
resistance band overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell push press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell arnold press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine standing shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2