Face Pull vs Reverse Cable Fly
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Face Pull works multiple joints at once, Reverse Cable Fly isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. See which fits your Shoulder day.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Face Pull and Reverse Cable Fly for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Face Pull vs Reverse Cable Fly : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions compared to 1,771 for Reverse Cable Fly.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Face Pull and Reverse Cable Fly differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Face Pull and Reverse Cable Fly Differ
| What differs | Face Pull | Reverse Cable Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts, biceps, and traps | rear delts and traps |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,306 sessions | 1,771 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Face Pull, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Face Pull Guide page of our blog!
How to Reverse Cable Fly
Reverse Cable Fly muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Pull the grip to bring your arms beside your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Reverse Cable Fly, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Reverse Cable Fly Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Face Pull or Reverse Cable Fly?
Planfit users log Face Pull more often — 12,306 sessions against 1,771 for Reverse Cable Fly. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Face Pull and Reverse Cable Fly work the same muscles?
Not quite. Face Pull loads rear delts, biceps, and traps, and Reverse Cable Fly loads rear delts and traps.
What equipment do Face Pull and Reverse Cable Fly need?
Face Pull needs a machine, and Reverse Cable Fly needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Face Pull is the easier place to start. Move to Reverse Cable Fly once your form holds up.
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

