Cable Front Raise

Sculpt strong, defined shoulders with the Cable Front Raise. This isolation exercise targets your anterior deltoids, helping to build frontal shoulder

IntermediateShoulders Cable

Movement: Isolation
Force: Push
Per set: 1 min
Rest: 2 min

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Variations of Cable Front Raise

Isolation

Cable One Arm Lateral Raise

Shoulders · Deltoid Lateral · Cable

Intermediate

Isolation

Cable Lateral Raise

Shoulders · Deltoid Lateral · Cable

Intermediate

Isolation

Cable Front Shoulder Raise

Shoulders · Deltoid Anterior · Cable

Intermediate

Isolation

Cable Forward Raise

Shoulders · Deltoid Anterior · Cable

Intermediate

Description

A resistance exercise that targets the anterior deltoid muscles by raising a cable machine's handle in front of you.

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How to do Cable Front Raise

01
Setup
Stand facing a low cable pulley, attaching a D-handle or straight bar to the cable.
02
Setup
Grasp the handle with an overhand grip, palm facing down, and take a few steps back to create initial tension on the cable, keeping your arm extended downwards.
03
Keeping a slight bend in your elbow and your core engaged, exhale as you slowly raise the handle straight up in front of you.
04
Continue raising until your arm is roughly parallel to the floor, or slightly higher, feeling the contraction in your anterior deltoid.
05
Inhale as you slowly and with control lower the handle back down to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.

Tips

Maintain a slight, consistent bend in your elbow throughout the movement to prevent hyperextension and keep constant tension on the deltoid.
Focus on initiating the movement from your anterior deltoid, avoiding any swinging of your torso or using momentum to lift the weight.
Control both the concentric (lifting) and eccentric (lowering) phases of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and minimize injury risk.
Keep your shoulder blades pulled slightly down and back to stabilize your upper body and prevent shrugging during the raise.

Common mistakes

Using momentum: Swinging the weight up by arching your back or using your hips reduces tension on the deltoids; instead, use a controlled, deliberate motion driven by your shoulder.
Lifting too high: Raising the handle significantly above shoulder height can engage the traps and reduce deltoid isolation; only raise to just above parallel with the floor.
Excessive elbow bend: Bending your elbows excessively shortens the lever arm and lessens the challenge on the anterior deltoid; maintain a slight, consistent bend throughout the lift.

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Questions

What muscles does Cable Front Raise work?

Cable Front Raise primarily targets Deltoid Anterior. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Lateral, Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Serratus Anterior.

Is Cable Front Raise good for beginners?

Cable Front Raise is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.

What equipment do I need for Cable Front Raise?

You need Cable to perform Cable Front Raise. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.

What are the best tips for Cable Front Raise?

Maintain a slight, consistent bend in your elbow throughout the movement to prevent hyperextension and keep constant tension on the deltoid. Focus on initiating the movement from your anterior deltoid, avoiding any swinging of your torso or using momentum to lift the weight. Control both the concentric (lifting) and eccentric (lowering) phases of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and minimize injury risk. Keep your shoulder blades pulled slightly down and back to stabilize your upper body and prevent shrugging during the raise.

What are common mistakes when doing Cable Front Raise?

Using momentum: Swinging the weight up by arching your back or using your hips reduces tension on the deltoids; instead, use a controlled, deliberate motion driven by your shoulder. Lifting too high: Raising the handle significantly above shoulder height can engage the traps and reduce deltoid isolation; only raise to just above parallel with the floor. Excessive elbow bend: Bending your elbows excessively shortens the lever arm and lessens the challenge on the anterior deltoid; maintain a slight, consistent bend throughout the lift.