Cable Front Raise
A low cable keeps the front delt loaded even at the very bottom of the rep, where a dumbbell front raise offers almost nothing. Set the pulley at its lowest position, face away from the stack with the handle at your thigh, and choose a weight you can raise to shoulder height without leaning back.
How to do the Cable Front Raise
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the cable handle with an overhand grip.
- Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
- Raise the cable handle in front of you, keeping your arms straight and your palms facing down.
- Continue lifting until your arms are parallel to the floor.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the cable handle back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tip: Lead with the elbows and think of reaching wide rather than lifting up.
Muscles worked
Common mistakes
- Swinging from the hips — a small bounce at the bottom is the sign of a weight that is too heavy; lighten it and lift from a dead stop.
- Shrugging as you raise — the traps take over when the shoulders rise toward the ears; keep them down and lead with the elbows.
- Raising far above shoulder height — on lateral and front raises the upper traps take over past parallel, so stop around shoulder level unless the variation is built to go overhead.
- Locked elbows — keep a soft bend in the elbow throughout so the load stays on the shoulder rather than the joint.
Sets, reps and where it fits
| Goal | Sets × reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle growth | 3–4 × 10–15 | 60–90 s |
| Endurance / finisher | 2–3 × 15–20 | 45 s |
| Strength | Not ideal — pick a compound lift for the same muscle | — |
Raises are accessory work and belong after the presses in a shoulder or push session. Superset lateral raises with a rear delt fly using the same dumbbells for a complete shoulder finisher.
Variations and alternatives
Similar exercises
Without cable
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Cable Front Raise work?
The Cable Front Raise primarily works the delts. It also involves the triceps and forearms, which assist the movement and stabilise the joints.
Is the Cable Front Raise good for beginners?
Yes. The Cable Front Raise is rated beginner: it uses a cable and the movement is simple to learn. Start light, focus on the full range of motion and add load once every rep looks the same.
What can I do instead of the Cable Front Raise?
If you cannot do the Cable Front Raise, try the Single Arm Cable Front Raise, the Barbell Front Raise or the Plate Front Raise. Each of them trains the delts through a similar movement, so you can swap them in without changing the rest of the workout.
How many sets and reps should I do?
It depends on your goal. For the Cable Front Raise, a sensible starting point is muscle growth: 3–4 × 10–15 with 60–90 s rest; endurance / finisher: 2–3 × 15–20 with 45 s rest. Do it after your compound lifts. It is a finishing movement, not the main event.
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