Face pull (exercise)

The face pull is a weight training exercise that primarily targets the musculature of the upper back and shoulders, namely the posterior deltoids, trapezius, rhomboids, Latissimus dorsi as well as the biceps.^[1] The face pull is considered an important exercise for shoulder health and stability.^[2]

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At the glenohumeral joint, movement of the humerus is performed by a combination of transverse abduction, by the posterior and lateral deltoids,^[3] and external rotation, by the infraspinatus and teres minor.^[4] At the scapulothoracic joint, the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboids contract to perform retraction of the scapulae.^[5] To a lesser extent, the biceps are involved to flex the elbow joint,^[6] while the spine erectors isometrically stabilize the lower back.^[7]

The face pull is often performed standing using a cable machine and rope attachment, with the subject rowing the rope attachment towards the face, with the elbows flared outwards.^[2] The exercise can, however, also be performed seated or with resistance bands.