Cable Front Raise
The cable front raise isolates the front delts with constant tension, a small but useful addition to a complete shoulder routine.
Equipment
Cable machine
Difficulty
intermediate
Sets & reps
3 sets · 12-15 reps
Muscles worked
Front delts
A cable-machine version of the front raise, keeping constant tension on the front delts throughout the movement.
How to do it
- Stand facing away from a low cable pulley, gripping the handle with one or both hands.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, raise your arm(s) forward.
- Lift until your arm is roughly parallel to the floor.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower back down under control.
- Avoid swinging your torso or using momentum to lift the weight.
Coaching tips
- The cable provides tension even at the bottom of the movement, unlike a dumbbell raise.
- Keep your core braced to prevent your lower back from arching as you raise your arm.
- Since pressing movements already train the front delts, keep the volume here moderate.
Common mistakes
- Using momentum from the hips or lower back to swing the weight up.
- Raising the arm above shoulder height, adding unnecessary shoulder strain.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need front raises if I already do overhead presses?
Pressing movements already train the front delts significantly, so front raises are optional extra volume rather than essential for most lifters.
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