How to do a Loop Band High Pull
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
Workouts with Loop Band High Pull
Instructions for Proper Form
This compound movement works the shoulders, traps, and upper back. The loop band creates an adaptable resistance, making it easier on the joints compared to barbell high pulls while still promoting strength and muscle growth.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart with toes pointed slightly outward.
- Place the band under the midfoot area and grab the band with a close overhand grip directly in front of your hips.
- Pull your elbows up to head height and hands to shoulder height while keeping the band close to the body.
- Control the resistance back to the starting position at a normal pace and repeat the movement.
Alternatives & Variations to Loop Band High Pull
1. Dumbbell Front Raise
98.6 mSCORESWAPPED 12 TIMESDumbbell Front Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders, more specifically the anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder). This is a very common shoulder exercise, and can work well to isolate the shoulders to build strength and muscle mass. By using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.
2. Pike Push Up
59.8 mSCORESWAPPED 12 TIMESPike Push Up is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. It's a more advanced variation of a standard Push Up, with the added difficulty of having your hips raised high in the air, mimicking a handstand push-up position. This position shifts more of the load onto your shoulders, making it an excellent exercise for developing shoulder strength and stability.
- Intermediate
- Shoulders
3. Backward Arm Circle
84.1 mSCORESWAPPED 11 TIMESBackward Arm Circle is a continuous exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. This exercise is often used as a warm up to improve mobility and muscle activation throughout the shoulders. This exercise is often used together with its counterpart, Forward Arm Circle.
4. Kettlebell Upright Row
75.4 mSCORESWAPPED 9 TIMESKettlebell Upright Row is a variation on the more standard Upright Row. This compound exercise primarily targets your shoulders. The benefit to using a Kettlebell is the ability to pull the handle in opposite directions at the top of the movement. This can help improve muscle activation compared to other variations.
5. Loop Band Seated Shoulder Press
39.7 mSCORESWAPPED 9 TIMESPerformed seated with a loop band, this exercise focuses on shoulder and upper body strength. The seated position ensures stability and allows for concentrated effort on the deltoids as the band provides resistance throughout the press motion. This variation is excellent for isolating the shoulders, enhancing muscular endurance, and can be particularly beneficial for individuals with limited lower body mobility.
6. Loop Band Face Pull
32.7 mSCORESWAPPED 9 TIMESThis exercise targets the rear deltoids, traps, and upper back, promoting shoulder health and posture. The loop band adds a variable resistance, making it more accessible and effective than cable variations.
7. Cable Face Pull
96 mSCORESWAPPED 8 TIMESCable Face Pull is a compound exercise that primarily targets your shoulders, more specifically your posterior deltoids (back of the shoulder). By using a cable machine, you have more control over where the resistance is coming from, and can easily make adjustments by either moving towards or away from the cable machine, or by adjusting the height of the pulley.
- Intermediate
- Shoulders
- Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
8. Handle Band Upright Row
48 mSCORESWAPPED 7 TIMESFocusing on the shoulders and upper back, the Handle Band Upright Row uses a resistance band to execute the rowing motion. This exercise improves shoulder and neck posture, offering a safer alternative to barbell rows by reducing the risk of shoulder impingement.
9. Wall Slide Stretch
5 mSCORESWAPPED 7 TIMESWall Slide Stretch is a mobility exercise that primarily targets the shoulders and upper back. By sliding your arms up and down against a wall, you can improve shoulder mobility and flexibility. This exercise is great for warming up the shoulder joints, enhancing the range of motion, and preparing the upper body for more intensive workouts.
10. Mini Loop Band Overhead Fly
19.8 mSCORESWAPPED 7 TIMESAn isolation exercise that targets the deltoids and upper back, the overhead fly with a mini loop band adds resistance to improve muscle strength and stability. This variation offers a unique challenge, enhancing shoulder health and aesthetics better than standard flies.