Exercise guide
Cable Front Raise with Rope Attachment
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
This isolation movement targets the anterior deltoids and upper pectorals, utilizing constant cable tension to ensure muscle engagement throughout the entire range of motion.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Set the cable pulley to the lowest setting and attach the rope handle.
- Stand facing away from the machine with the cable running between your legs.
- Grip the rope handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and take a small step forward to create tension.
- Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees.
How to do it
- Exhale as you lift your arms forward and upward in a controlled arc until they are parallel to the floor.
- Maintain a slight, fixed bend in your elbows throughout the movement to protect the joints.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the rope back to the starting position, resisting the weight on the way down.
- Follow a controlled tempo, taking 2 seconds to lift and 2 seconds to lower.
Form checklist
- Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning back as you lift the weight.
- Keep your shoulders pulled down and back; do not allow them to shrug toward your ears.
- Engage your core to stabilize your spine and prevent swinging.
- Ensure the movement occurs only at the shoulder joint.
Pro tips
- Think about pushing the rope 'away' from your body as you lift to better isolate the anterior deltoid.
- At the top of the movement, slightly turn your thumbs upward to maximize the contraction in the front delt.
Make it harder
- Implement a 3-second eccentric (lowering) phase to increase time under tension.
- Hold the peak contraction at the top of the movement for 2 seconds on every rep.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable front raise with rope attachment work?
- The cable front raise with rope attachment primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable front raise with rope attachment?
- The cable front raise with rope attachment uses cable and rope.
- Is the cable front raise with rope attachment good for beginners?
- Yes. The cable front raise with rope attachment is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.
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