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Exercise Guide

How to do resistance band kneeling face pull

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The resistance band kneeling face pull is a highly effective exercise for shoulder health and upper back development. By kneeling and pulling the band toward your face while flaring your elbows, you target the rear deltoids, rhomboids, and external rotators. This movement is crucial for counteracting the effects of rounded shoulders and improving overall posture and shoulder stability in a controlled manner.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Resistance Band
TARGET MUSCLES
Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Kneeling Position: Kneel down facing a secure anchor point where a resistance band is attached at around shoulder height.
  2. Band grip: Grab the ends of the resistance band with palms facing each other, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Upright Posture: Keep your chest lifted, core engaged, and shoulders back and down. Create some tension in the band by taking a small step back.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the pull: Pull the band towards your face by bending your arms, aiming to bring your hands towards your ears.
  2. Flare your elbows: Keep your elbows high and wide throughout the movement to focus on the rear deltoids.
  3. Squeeze your shoulder blades: At the peak of the movement, squeeze your shoulder blades together for maximum rear delt and rhomboid activation.
  4. Controlled return: Slowly and with control, return to the starting position, extending your arms and maintaining tension in the band.

Tips:

  • "Pull apart the band" Mindset: Think about pulling the band apart horizontally to keep your elbows high and emphasize the rear delts.
  • Avoid Shrugging: Minimize unnecessary shrugging of your shoulders towards your ears.
  • Breathe: Exhale as you pull, inhale as you release.

Common mistakes: Pulling with the biceps instead of the rear delts and letting the elbows drop below the shoulders.

Alternatives

Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly(parallel grip)

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable crossover reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable seated rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Cable

cable standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Resistance Band

resistance band kneeling face pull

Rear Shoulder
Dumbbell

dumbbell rear delt raise

Rear ShoulderTraps
Squat Rack

band standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder