Front Cable Raise

The Front Cable Raise isolates the Shoulders through a controlled range of motion. This beginner-level cable exercise builds focused strength where compound movements often fall short.

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Front Cable Raise - starting position

Starting position

Front Cable Raise - ending position

Ending position

Muscles Worked

Primary Shoulders

The shoulders handles the primary load during this movement. This isolation movement keeps tension concentrated on a single muscle group.

How to Front Cable Raise

  1. 1

    Select the weight on a low pulley machine and grasp the single hand cable attachment that is attached to the low pulley with your left hand.

  2. 2

    Face away from the pulley and put your arm straight down with the hand cable attachment in front of your thighs at arms' length with the palms of the hand facing your thighs. This will be your starting position.

  3. 3

    While maintaining the torso stationary (no swinging), lift the left arm to the front with a slight bend on the elbow and the palms of the hand always faces down. Continue to go up until you arm is slightly above parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this portion of the movement and pause for a second at the top.

  4. 4

    Now as you inhale lower the arm back down slowly to the starting position.

  5. 5

    Once all of the recommended amount of repetitions have been performed for this arm, switch arms and perform the exercise with the right one.

Common Mistakes

  • • Focus on the mind-muscle connection — feel the target muscle working through each rep.
  • • Use a controlled tempo of 2 seconds up, 2 seconds down to eliminate momentum.
  • • Stand far enough from the pulley to maintain constant tension at every point in the range of motion.
  • • Avoid locking out aggressively at the top — stop just short of full extension to keep tension on the muscle.

Similar Exercises

Alternating Cable Shoulder Press - starting position

Alternating Cable Shoulder Press

beginner shoulders
Alternating Deltoid Raise - starting position

Alternating Deltoid Raise

beginner shoulders
Alternating Kettlebell Press - starting position

Alternating Kettlebell Press

intermediate shoulders
Anti-Gravity Press - starting position

Anti-Gravity Press

beginner shoulders
Arm Circles - starting position

Arm Circles

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Arnold Dumbbell Press - starting position

Arnold Dumbbell Press

intermediate shoulders

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does the Front Cable Raise work?

The Front Cable Raise primarily targets the Shoulders. It's an effective isolation exercise for building shoulders strength.

Is the Front Cable Raise good for beginners?

Yes, the Front Cable Raise is suitable for beginners. Start with light weight to master the 5-step form before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Front Cable Raise?

You need cable to perform the Front Cable Raise. Most commercial gyms will have this available.

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