🔥 Rope Pulling Exercises: Know the Difference Rope pulling exercises may look similar, but small changes in angle, elbow path, and range of motion completely shift the muscle focus. Depending on how you pull, the work can emphasize the lats for width, the traps for upper-back strength, or the rear delts for shoulder balance and posture. Focus on controlled reps, stable body position, and a strong squeeze at the end of each pull to keep tension on the right muscles instead of relying on momentum