Face pull (exercise)
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, as well as the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles of the rotator cuff. The face pull is considered an important exercise for shoulder health and stability.[1][2]
Biomechanics
At the glenohumeral joint, movement of the humerus is performed by a combination of transverse abduction, by the posterior and lateral deltoids,[3] and external rotation, by the infraspinatus and teres minor.[4] At the scapulothoracic joint, the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius and the rhomboids contract to perform retraction of the scapulae.[5] To a lesser extent, the biceps are involved to flex the elbow joint, while the spine erectors stabilize the lower back.
References
- ^ Campbell 2009, 108.
- ^ Face Pull article at T-Nation.com
- ^ Shoulder transverse abduction at Exrx.net
- ^ Shoulder external rotation at Exrx.net
- ^ Scapular retraction at Exrx.net
Work cited
- Campbell, Adam (2009), The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises, Rodale Inc., ISBN 978-1-60529-550-3