Back to Library

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:

  1. Cable Machine & Attachment: Position yourself facing away from a low-pulley cable machine. Attach a straight bar or rope handle to the low pulley.
  2. Stance & Grip: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, core engaged, and grasp the attachment with an overhand grip (palms facing down).
  3. 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:

  1. Initiate the Raise: Keeping your arms straight, raise the attachment upward and out in front of you, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows.
  2. Raise to Shoulder Height: Continue raising the attachment until it's parallel to the floor (or slightly above, if comfortable).
  3. Pause at the Top: Briefly pause at the top, feeling the contraction in your shoulders.
  4. 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