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Resistance Band Face Pull

Beginner
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A horizontal pull with a resistance band targeting rear deltoids, rhomboids, and mid traps to build shoulder stability and improve posture; ideal for countering pushing imbalances.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Biceps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Rear Delts

Traps

8/10

Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Lats

5/10

Teres Major

Biceps

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor a looped resistance band at face height to a sturdy point. Stand facing it with feet shoulder-width apart, grasp band ends with overhand grip, and extend arms forward under tension.

  1. Retract shoulder blades and pull band toward face, leading with elbows high and wide.
  2. Externally rotate shoulders so thumbs point to ears, forming a 'W' shape.
  3. Squeeze shoulder blades together at peak contraction.
  4. Hold briefly, then slowly extend arms back to start.
  5. Resist band tension throughout return.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with elbows
  • Squeeze blades together
  • Keep shoulders down
  • Thumbs to ears
  • Control the return

Breathing

Inhale as you extend arms forward; exhale as you pull and squeeze.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully forward to start; pull until hands reach forehead level with elbows at shoulder height and external rotation.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect band for damage before use
  • Secure anchor firmly
  • Avoid if shoulder pain during external rotation
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Stop if numbness occurs
  • Use lighter band to prioritize form

Spotting

Not required; bands provide variable resistance without need for spotter.

Common Mistakes

  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Using momentum to jerk
  • Pulling band directly to face
  • Leaning back excessively
  • Poor grip causing slip

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Neck strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder external rotation
  • Scapular mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic pulling technique
  • Stable posture

Also known as

Banded Face Pull, Band Face Pull, Face Pull with Band

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