Kneeling Lat Pulldown (Band)
A latissimus dorsi isolation exercise performed from a kneeling position using band resistance to improve pull-up strength and back development.
Instructions
- Anchor a resistance band overhead at approximately arm’s reach above you.
- Kneel on the ground facing the anchor point, maintaining an upright torso.
- Grasp the band end or both band ends with arms extended overhead.
- Pull the band down and slightly behind your head, driving your elbows down and back.
- Bring the band to approximately chest or upper back height, squeezing your lats.
- Extend your arms with control back to the starting position and repeat.
Tips
- Keep your torso upright; avoid excessive leaning backward.
- Drive your elbows down and back to maximize lat engagement over arm involvement.
- Maintain constant tension in the band throughout the range of motion.
- The kneeling position reduces momentum and enforces strict form.
- This exercise is excellent for building pull-up strength and lat development.
- Perform 8-12 reps per set for optimal lat strength and muscle growth.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
beginner strength
Assisted Pull-Up (Machine)
Learn more about assisted pull-up (machine) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (E-Z Curl Bar)
Learn more about bent-over row reverse-grip (e-z curl bar) intermediate strength
Bentover Dumbbell Rows
Learn more about bentover dumbbell rows intermediate strength
beginner strength
Chin-Up (Weighted)
Learn more about chin-up (weighted) expert strength
intermediate strength
Close-Grip Lat Pulldown
Learn more about close-grip lat pulldown intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Lat Pulldown (Band)
Learn more about lat pulldown (band) beginner strength
Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Learn more about lat pulldown (cable) beginner strength
Lat Pulldown (Leaning Back)
Learn more about lat pulldown (leaning back) intermediate strength
Lat Pulldown (Straight Back)
Learn more about lat pulldown (straight back) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Long-Pulley (Low Row)
Learn more about long-pulley (low row) intermediate strength
Long-Pulley, Narrow
Learn more about long-pulley, narrow intermediate strength
Low Row (Band)
Learn more about low row (band) beginner strength
Machine Close Grip Lat Pulldown
Learn more about machine close grip lat pulldown beginner strength
Machine High Row
Learn more about machine high row beginner strength
Machine Iso-Lateral Lat Pulldown
Learn more about machine iso-lateral lat pulldown beginner strength
Machine Lat Pulldown
Learn more about machine lat pulldown beginner strength
Machine Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown
Learn more about machine reverse grip lat pulldown beginner strength
beginner strength
Power Pull (TRX / Suspension Trainer)
Learn more about power pull (trx / suspension trainer) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Learn more about reverse grip lat pulldown (cable) beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Rope Climb Seated Start
Learn more about rope climb seated start beginner strength
Seated Lat Pulldown (Band)
Learn more about seated lat pulldown (band) beginner strength
beginner strength
Single Arm Lat Pulldown (Band)
Learn more about single arm lat pulldown (band) beginner strength
Single Arm Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Learn more about single arm lat pulldown (cable) intermediate strength
Single Arm Row (Dumbbell)
Learn more about single arm row (dumbbell) intermediate strength
beginner strength
Underhand Lat Pulldown
Learn more about underhand lat pulldown intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Wide-Grip Pulldown
Learn more about wide-grip pulldown intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength