Face Pull vs Cable Shoulder Press
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions vs 179. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Face Pull and Cable Shoulder Press and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Face Pull vs Cable Shoulder Press: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions compared to 179 for Cable Shoulder Press.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Face Pull and Cable Shoulder Press differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Face Pull and Cable Shoulder Press Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Cable Shoulder Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 179 sessions |
How to Do Face Pull
Face Pull Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please pull the grip up towards your ear.
- 2. When pulling, make sure not to excessively fold your scapula.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Face Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Face Pull exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- Push your arms up with both hands.
- Do not fully lock your arms, hold for a moment at the peak,
- then slowly lower them to shoulder height.
Coach's Tips
- Engage your core to prevent excessive arching of the back. Control it slowly without any bouncing.
For a full Cable Shoulder Press guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Shoulder Press exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Cable Shoulder Press?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 179 for Cable Shoulder Press. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Face Pull and Cable Shoulder Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Cable Shoulder Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Face Pull and Cable Shoulder Press need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Cable Shoulder Press needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Shoulder Press once your form holds up.
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