All Exercises

Cable High Pull with Rope Attachment

Target your rear deltoids and upper back with the Cable High Pull. This exercise strengthens shoulder stability and posture by pulling a rope towards your

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A strength training exercise targeting the rear deltoids and upper back muscles. The exercise is performed by pulling a rope attached to a cable towards your face.

How to Do Cable High Pull with Rope Attachment

  1. 1
    Setup

    Position the cable pulley at upper chest to shoulder height, then attach a rope attachment.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Stand facing the machine with feet hip-width apart, grabbing the rope with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).

  3. 3
    Setup

    Step back slightly to create tension in the cable, ensuring your arms are fully extended and your core is engaged.

  4. 4

    Initiate the pull by retracting your shoulder blades and pulling the rope towards your face, flaring your elbows high and wide.

  5. 5

    Squeeze your rear deltoids and upper back muscles at the peak contraction, ensuring your elbows are above your wrists.

  6. 6

    Slowly and with control, extend your arms back to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.

Tips

  • Focus on initiating the pull with your shoulder blades, not just your arms, to maximize rear deltoid and upper back engagement.
  • Keep your elbows high and wide throughout the movement, aiming to get them parallel with your shoulders or slightly above at the peak of the pull.
  • Control the eccentric (return) phase of the movement by slowly extending your arms, which helps build strength and muscle control.
  • Maintain a strong, stable core and a slight hinge at your hips to prevent your lower back from arching or rounding.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Pulling with excessive momentum instead of muscle control often leads to less effective muscle activation; reduce the weight and focus on a deliberate, controlled pull.
  • ×Allowing elbows to drop low during the pull shifts emphasis away from the rear deltoids; ensure elbows stay high and flared out to properly target the intended muscles.
  • ×Rounding the upper back or shrugging excessively indicates poor posture; maintain a neutral spine and engage your core to keep your shoulders down and back.

Variations

Related Exercises

Track Cable High Pull with Rope Attachment in your workouts

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

Get Ellim — Free