Exercise guide
Cable Reverse Grip Front Raise
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
The Cable Reverse Grip Front Raise is an isolation movement that targets the anterior deltoids and the clavicular head of the pectorals. Using a supinated grip increases the involvement of the upper chest while providing constant cable tension throughout the entire range of motion.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Set the cable pulley to the lowest position and attach a straight bar or EZ-bar.
- Stand facing away from the machine with the cable running between your legs.
- Grasp the bar with an underhand (supinated) grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
- Step forward slightly to create initial tension and stand with a stable, shoulder-width stance.
How to do it
- Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, exhale as you lift the bar forward and upward in a controlled arc.
- Raise the bar until your arms are parallel to the floor or slightly above shoulder height.
- Pause for a split second at the top to emphasize the peak contraction in the front delts and upper chest.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the bar back to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.
Form checklist
- Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning back or using momentum to swing the weight.
- Maintain a slight, fixed bend in the elbows to protect the joint and keep tension on the muscles.
- Ensure your palms remain facing upward throughout the entire movement.
- Keep your core braced and shoulders depressed (down and back) to stabilize the movement.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'scooping' the weight upward to maximize the engagement of the clavicular fibers of the pectorals.
- Avoid letting the weight stack touch at the bottom of the rep to maintain constant mechanical tension.
Make it harder
- Perform the exercise unilaterally using a D-handle to increase the stability demand on your core.
- Incorporate a 3-second eccentric phase, slowing down the lowering portion to increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the cable reverse grip front raise work?
- The cable reverse grip front raise primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the cable reverse grip front raise?
- The cable reverse grip front raise uses cable.
- Is the cable reverse grip front raise good for beginners?
- Yes. The cable reverse grip front raise is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.