Primary
Shoulders
Secondary
Upper chest
Equipment
Cable
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Push
See how Cable Front Raise could fit a workout
The example below shows one possible placement. Your purchased plan is built from your assessment, and Ely checks every exercise before approving it.
One-time purchase · Checked by Ely · Delivered in 1–3 business days

This page is not medical advice or a rehabilitation protocol. Ely's personal review applies to purchased workout plans and does not replace an in-person assessment by a licensed healthcare professional.
The cable front raise provides constant tension on your front delts throughout the entire range of motion. Unlike dumbbells where tension drops at the bottom, the cable keeps your anterior deltoid working from start to finish. This continuous loading makes each rep more effective for hypertrophy.
When to use it
Use for front delt isolation for optimal results.
Who it's for
All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition.
Face away from the cable stack and let the cable run between your legs. This setup keeps tension on your front delt even at the bottom. Raise to shoulder height only—going higher shifts work to your traps. Keep a slight bend in your elbow that doesn't change during the movement.
Browse all shoulders exercises
Also targets: upper chest
Want Ely to consider Cable Front Raise for your plan?
Share your training details. Ely reviews the full week before anything is delivered.
Set a cable at the lowest position.
Face away from the machine.
Grip the handle with one or both hands.
Start with the cable behind your thighs.
Raise your arm(s) to shoulder height.
Lower with control for optimal results.
Constant cable tension.
Stop at shoulder height.
Can use rope or straight bar.
Use cable front raises when you want more time under tension than dumbbells provide. They work well after pressing movements as front delt finishers. The constant tension also makes them useful for drop sets since form doesn't break down as easily when fatigued.
Using momentum instead of controlled muscle contraction.
Bouncing or using momentum during the Cable Front Raise makes the movement harder to control and can shift work away from your Front shoulders. Use a load you can move smoothly through the intended range.
Raising too high for optimal results.
During any pressing movement like the Cable Front Raise, this mistake reduces how effectively your Front shoulders can produce force. Focus on the muscle you're trying to work — if you can't feel your Front shoulders driving the movement, something is off.
Leaning forward which shifts the load incorrectly.
Loading more weight than you can control on the Cable Front Raise often creates compensations that shift work away from your Front shoulders. Reduce the load until each rep follows the intended path.
All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 60s.
This is one example of how Cable Front Raise could sit inside a complete workout. Your plan may use different movements after Ely checks your assessment.
Sample workout
MySetPlan guides you set by set, times your rest, records your work, and tells you what to do next from the plan Ely approved.
Start My $19 WeekShare your goal, schedule, equipment, and experience. Ely checks the complete exercise selection before he approves your week.
Start My $19 Starter Week$19 once · No automatic renewal · Delivered in 1–3 business days
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cable Front Raise
The Cable Front Raise primarily targets the Front shoulders, making it an effective exercise for shoulders development. Secondary muscles worked during the Cable Front Raise include Upper chest, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core.
Yes, the Cable Front Raise is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Cable Front Raise, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Rest 60s. For strength, use 8-10 reps. For muscle growth, perform 12-15 reps. For endurance, complete 15-20 reps.
The Cable Front Raise typically requires a cable, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Cable Front Raise include: Front Raise, Plate Front Raise. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Cable Front Raise and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.