The face pull is a weight training exercise that primarily targets the musculature of the upper back and shoulders, namely the posterior deltoids, trapezius, rhomboids, Latissimus dorsi as well as the biceps. The face pull is considered an important exercise for shoulder health and stability.Campbell, Adam (2009), The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises, Rodale Inc., p108
Biomechanics
At the glenohumeral joint, movement of the humerus is performed by a combination of transverse abduction, by the posterior and lateral deltoids,Shoulder transverse abduction at Exrx.net and external rotation, by the infraspinatus and teres minor.Shoulder external rotation at Exrx.net At the scapulothoracic joint, the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboids contract to perform retraction of the scapulae.Scapular retraction at Exrx.net To a lesser extent, the biceps are involved to flex the elbow joint,Elbow flexion at Exrx.net while the spine erectors isometrically stabilize the lower back.Lumbar extension at Exrx.net
Performance The face pull is often performed standing using a cable machine and rope attachment, with the subject rowing the rope attachment towards the face, with the elbows flared outwards. The exercise can, however, also be performed seated or with resistance bands.
References