Face Pull vs Pike Push Up
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions vs 231. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Face Pull and Pike Push Up and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Face Pull vs Pike Push Up: 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 231 for Pike Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Face Pull and Pike Push Up 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 Pike Push Up Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Pike Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | front delts, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 231 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 Pike Push Up
Pike Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
- 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.
For a full Pike Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pike Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Pike Push Up?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 231 for Pike Push Up. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Face Pull and Pike Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Face Pull and Pike Push Up need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Pike Push Up once your form holds up.
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