Exercise Comparison
Alternating Deltoid Raise vs Face Pull
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Face Pull
Instructions
Alternating Deltoid Raise
In a standing position, hold a pair of dumbbells at your side.
Keeping your elbows slightly bent, raise the weights directly in front of you to shoulder height, avoiding any swinging or cheating.
Return the weights to your side.
On the next repetition, raise the weights laterally, raising them out to your side to about shoulder height.
Return the weights to the starting position and continue alternating to the front and side.
Face Pull
Facing a high pulley with a rope or dual handles attached, pull the weight directly towards your face, separating your hands as you do so. Keep your upper arms parallel to the ground.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Deltoid Raise is a beginner exercise using dumbbell, while Face Pull is intermediate and uses cable. Choose Alternating Deltoid Raise if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Face Pull for a greater challenge. Face Pull is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Alternating Deltoid Raise isolates the target muscle for focused development.