How to Do the Cable Front Raise

The cable front raise trains the front delts with constant cable tension. Standing with your back to the pulley adds a small stretch at the start. It's an accessory lift, useful if your pressing doesn't hit the front delts hard enough.

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Muscles worked

Primary

  • Shoulders

Secondary

  • Chest

How to do the Cable Front Raise

  1. 1

    Set a low pulley and attach a single handle.

  2. 2

    Face away from the stack and take the handle in one hand, with the cable running between your legs or beside your hip.

  3. 3

    Stand tall with a slight bend in your elbow.

  4. 4

    Raise your arm in front of you to shoulder height.

  5. 5

    Pause briefly, then lower slowly.

  6. 6

    Finish all reps on one arm, then switch.

Form cues to remember

  • Raise to eye level, not higher
  • Keep your ribcage down
  • Control the cable on the way back
  • Keep your elbow slightly soft

Cable Front Raise video tutorial

The Smartest Way to Grow Bigger Front Delts · ATHLEAN-X™ on YouTube

Common mistakes

Leaning back to swing the weight

Brace your abs and use a lighter weight.

Raising above shoulder height

Stop at shoulder level; going higher adds trap work.

Dropping the weight fast

Lower over two to three seconds.

Turning the wrist inward

Keep the handle neutral and aligned with your forearm.

Sets and reps

Muscle growth3 sets of 10–15 reps per arm, 60 seconds rest
Endurance2–3 sets of 15–20 reps
Strength3 sets of 8–10 reps with a controlled pause

Front delts already get plenty of work from pressing, so don't overdo volume. Reduce the weight if your shoulder feels pinched.

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Cable Front Raise FAQ

Do I need front raises if I press?

Often not much. Overhead and bench presses already train the front delts, so front raises are optional for most programs.

Cable vs. dumbbell front raise?

The cable keeps tension at the bottom where a dumbbell goes slack. Dumbbells are simpler and need no cable station.

Which muscles does the cable front raise work?

It targets the front delts, with the upper chest helping a little.

Cable Front Raise alternatives

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