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Straight-Arm Pulldown

Straight-Arm Pulldown is a beginner isolation cable exercise that mainly works your lats.

💪 Lats🏋️ Cable📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Straight-Arm Pulldown: starting position
Starting position
Straight-Arm Pulldown: end position
End position

How to do the straight-arm pulldown

  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.

Muscles worked

Primary: Lats

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

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Straight-Arm Pulldown alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Cable Incline PushdownCable · BeginnerPull UpBodyweight · BeginnerLeverage Iso RowMachine · BeginnerBent-Arm Barbell PulloverBarbell · IntermediateLondon BridgesOther · IntermediateRope Straight-Arm PulldownCable · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the straight-arm pulldown work?

It mainly works your lats.

How many sets and reps of straight-arm pulldown should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the straight-arm pulldown good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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