Straight Arm Pulldown (Cable)

An isolation exercise using cable resistance to target the lats with straight arms. Excellent for lat development and strengthening the shoulder extension movement.

Instructions

1. Stand facing a cable machine with the pulley positioned above head height.
2. Grab the bar or rope handle with a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
3. Keep your arms nearly straight with just a slight bend in your elbows.
4. Maintain an upright posture and engage your core.
5. Pull the handle down and toward your chest, using a shoulder extension motion.
6. Feel the contraction in your lats at the bottom of the movement.
7. Slowly return the handle to the starting position with control.

Tips

• Keep your arms nearly straight throughout to maximize lat engagement and isolation.
• The slight elbow bend protects your shoulder joints while maintaining tension.
• Avoid swinging or using momentum; move with deliberate control.
• The constant cable tension provides excellent lat activation and definition.
• This movement complements rowing variations by providing a different pulling angle for back development.