Description
A resistance band exercise that targets the muscles of the upper back and shoulders. The individual stands and pulls the band towards their face, squeezing their shoulder blades together.
How to Do Band Face Pull
- 1Setup
Secure a resistance band to an anchor point at chest height. Step back until the band is taut with your arms extended forward, holding the band with an overhand grip, palms facing down.
- 2Setup
Stand tall with a slight bend in your knees, feet shoulder-width apart, and engage your core to maintain a neutral spine. Your hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- 3
Initiate the movement by pulling the band towards your face, aiming for your forehead or ears, leading with your elbows.
- 4
As you pull, externally rotate your shoulders so your palms face the ceiling at the end of the movement, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 5
Control the eccentric phase by slowly extending your arms back to the starting position, resisting the band's pull without letting it snap back.
Tips
- Focus on initiating the pull with your rear deltoids and upper back, not just your biceps, to maximize target muscle engagement.
- Maintain a stable torso throughout the movement; avoid leaning back or using momentum to pull the band.
- Adjust your grip width and distance from the anchor point to find the optimal resistance and range of motion for your body.
- Exhale as you pull the band towards your face and inhale as you slowly return to the starting position.
Common Mistakes
- ×Using too much bicep: Many people pull primarily with their biceps; instead, focus on driving your elbows back and externally rotating your shoulders to engage the posterior deltoids and upper back.
- ×Arching the lower back: Avoid excessive arching of the lower back by keeping your core engaged and maintaining a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- ×Rushing the eccentric phase: Letting the band snap back quickly reduces time under tension; control the band's return slowly to maximize muscle growth and control.
Variations

Band Pull Apart
Strengthen your upper back and shoulders with the band pull apart. Improve posture, stability, and shoulder health using a simple resistance band.

Cable Standing Face Pull
Strengthen your rear deltoids, rhomboids, and upper traps with the Cable Standing Face Pull.

Resistance Band Pull Apart
Strengthen your posterior deltoids and upper back with Resistance Band Pull Aparts. Improve posture, shoulder stability, and overall upper body health.

Resistance Band Half Kneeling Face Pull
Strengthen your posterior deltoids and upper back with the Resistance Band Half Kneeling Face Pull. Improve shoulder health and posture.
Related Exercises

Band standing rear delt row
Strengthen your rear deltoids and upper back with the band standing rear delt row. This exercise enhances shoulder stability and posture.

Band front lateral raise
Strengthen your shoulders with the band front lateral raise. This exercise targets your anterior and lateral deltoids, improving shoulder stability and

Band Behind Neck Shoulder Press
Press a resistance band overhead from behind your neck to build strong shoulders and triceps.

Battling Ropes
Engage your shoulders, core, and arms with dynamic battling ropes. This high-intensity exercise builds power, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.

Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.

Bodyweight Kneeling Push-up Row
Build chest and back strength with this kneeling push-up variation that adds a rowing pull at the top.
Track Band Face Pull in your workouts
Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.
Get Ellim — Free