Skip to content

Lat Pulldown (Cable)

Primary muscle
Lats
Secondary muscles
Upper backBicepsForearms
Equipment
Cable

Overview

A seated cable pull toward the upper chest that builds the lats and upper back. It is an adjustable way to train the pull-up pattern at any strength level.

How to do it

  1. Adjust the thigh pad so your legs are held in snugly.

  2. Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width with an overhand grip.

  3. Sit down with your arms straight and lean back slightly.

  4. Pull the bar to your upper chest, driving your elbows down and back.

  5. Squeeze your lats, then let the bar rise slowly until your arms are straight.

Tips

  • Start each rep by pulling your shoulder blades down.
  • Keep your chest lifted toward the bar.
  • Try a thumbless grip if you feel the pull mostly in your forearms.

Common mistakes

  • Pulling the bar behind your neck.
  • Leaning far back and turning the movement into a row.
  • Letting the weight yank your arms up at the top.

Similar exercises

All Lats exercises

Log Lat Pulldown (Cable) in Bulky

Add it to a routine, log every set, and watch your progress. Free on the web today — the iOS and Android apps are coming soon.