Structural Balance

Face Pull

A practical movement guide for every Mission SOP that uses this exercise. Sets, reps, load, tempo, and purpose remain specific to each mission and phase.

Movement guide available

Anatomy map

Muscles involved

Primary Supporting
Option 2 custom anatomy illustration for Face Pull, with primary and supporting muscles highlighted
PrimaryDeltoids
SupportingRotator cuffTrapeziusTriceps brachii

ShaOS custom anatomy illustration. Visual reference only; movement coaching and muscle classifications remain defined by the Exercise Library.

Description

A cable or band pull that trains the rear deltoids, upper back, and external rotators to support healthy shoulder mechanics and posture.

Setup & Execution

  1. Set a rope attachment around face height and take one end in each hand with thumbs facing behind you.
  2. Step back, brace, and begin with arms extended and shoulders relaxed.
  3. Pull the rope toward the forehead while separating the hands and rotating the forearms back.
  4. Pause with elbows high but comfortable, then return slowly without losing posture.

Coaching Cues

  • Pull the rope apart.
  • Show your knuckles behind you.
  • Keep ribs down and neck relaxed.

Common Mistakes

  • Turning the movement into a low row.
  • Shrugging toward the ears.
  • Leaning back to create momentum.

Movement media

See the movement

Reviewed short loop
Published media
Short silent loop · 5 seconds
Reviewed
Jul 17, 2026
Video source
Open source record
30–60 second tutorialplanned
Setup angleplanned
Side angleplanned
Key cue overlayplanned
Captionsplanned
Transcriptplanned

Accessible movement summary

Set a rope attachment around face height and take one end in each hand with thumbs facing behind you. Step back, brace, and begin with arms extended and shoulders relaxed. Pull the rope toward the forehead while separating the hands and rotating the forearms back. Pause with elbows high but comfortable, then return slowly without losing posture.

Key cue: Pull the rope apart.

The production indicators above are roadmap states, not claims that multi-angle footage, overlays, captions, or a narrated transcript are already available.

Adapt the movement

Regressions & alternatives

Preserve the movement pattern while matching current capacity, available equipment, and the mission environment.

Regression

Light resistance-band face pull

Progression

Half-kneeling face pull with external rotation

Home gym

Door-anchored band face pull

Commercial gym

Cable rope face pull

Used in

Linked Mission SOPs

Upper Strength & GripForgeUpper Hypertrophy & Structural BalancePrecision