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Straight-Arm Pulldown

Lats Beginner Strength Cable
Straight-Arm Pulldown Straight-Arm Pulldown
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Isolation
Instructions
  1. You will start by grabbing the wide bar from the top pulley of a pulldown machine and using a wider than shoulder-width pronated (palms down) grip. Step backwards two feet or so.
  2. Bend your torso forward at the waist by around 30-degrees with your arms fully extended in front of you and a slight bend at the elbows. If your arms are not fully extended then you need to step a bit more backwards until they are. Once your arms are fully extended and your torso is slightly bent at the waist, tighten the lats and then you are ready to begin.
  3. While keeping the arms straight, pull the bar down by contracting the lats until your hands are next to the side of the thighs. Breathe out as you perform this step.
  4. While keeping the arms straight, go back to the starting position while breathing in.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Straight-Arm Pulldown work?

Straight-Arm Pulldown primarily targets the Lats. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building lats development.

What equipment do I need for the Straight-Arm Pulldown?

You will need a cable to perform the Straight-Arm Pulldown. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Straight-Arm Pulldown suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Straight-Arm Pulldown is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the Straight-Arm Pulldown a compound or isolation exercise?

The Straight-Arm Pulldown is an isolation exercise that focuses on a single joint and muscle group. Isolation exercises are useful for targeting specific muscles, correcting imbalances, and adding focused volume. They are typically performed after compound movements in a workout.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Straight-Arm Pulldown?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Straight-Arm Pulldown?

Good alternatives include the Band Assisted Pull-Up, Bent-Arm Barbell Pullover, Cable Incline Pushdown. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Lats) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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