Straight Bar Cable Front Raise: Form and Guide

Master the straight bar cable front raise to isolate your front delts. Learn proper form, common mistakes, and expert tips for better shoulder growth.

How to Perform

  1. Attach a straight bar or EZ-bar to the low pulley of a cable station.
  2. Stand facing away from the machine with the cable running between your legs and grasp the bar with an overhand grip.
  3. Position your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a slight bend in your knees for stability.
  4. Exhale as you lift the bar forward and upward until your arms are parallel to the floor.
  5. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement to maximize muscle contraction.
  6. Inhale as you slowly lower the bar back to the starting position towards your thighs.
  7. Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning backward to generate momentum.

Common Mistakes

  • Using excessive body weight or momentum to swing the bar upward.
  • Locking the elbows completely, which increases joint stress.
  • Raising the bar significantly above shoulder level, which shifts tension to the traps.
  • Allowing the shoulders to shrug toward the ears during the lift.
  • Lowering the weight too quickly and losing the eccentric tension.

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Shoulders

Stabilizers

  • Trapezius
  • Upper Pectorals
  • Serratus Anterior

Related Guides

Shoulders · Shoulders