Exercise library
Back
Straight-Arm Pulldown
- Primary muscle
- Back
- Also works
- Core, Triceps
- Equipment
- Cable
- Movement pattern
- Vertical pull
- Role in a program
- Primary
How to do it
Stand facing a high pulley and grip a straight bar with arms extended and a slight elbow bend. Pull the bar down to your thighs in an arc using your lats, then return under control keeping arms straight.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the back — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Cable PulloverCableVertical pull
- Close-Grip Lat PulldownCableVertical pull
- Kneeling Cable PulldownCableVertical pull
- Lat PulldownCableVertical pull
- Neutral-Grip Lat PulldownCableVertical pull
- Reverse-Grip Lat PulldownCableVertical pull
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the back: