Straight-Arm Pulldown
Keep the arms nearly straight and pull the bar down to the thighs in an arc to isolate the lats.
Get started
See your setup in four steps
Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.
Sets and reps
- For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
- For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9).
- Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
General ranges, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts.
Alternatives
Other exercises for the lats, for when the cable is taken or you want a change.
Questions
- What muscles does the Straight-Arm Pulldown work?
- The Straight-Arm Pulldown mainly works the lats.
- What equipment do you need for the Straight-Arm Pulldown?
- A cable.
- How many sets and reps of the Straight-Arm Pulldown?
- For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
- What can I do instead of the Straight-Arm Pulldown?
- Archer Pull-Up, Band Lat Pulldown, Barbell Bent-Over Row and Barbell Rack Chin work the same main muscle.
Program it for your clients
Coaches add the Straight-Arm Pulldown to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.
Get started
See your setup in four steps
Your first 3 clients are free. 0% commission on everything you sell.