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Exercise library

Cable Straight-Arm Pulldown

Back · Vertical pull

Generic vertical pull demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

Vertical pullIsolation

A straight-arm sweep on a high pulley that isolates the lats without involving the biceps.

Difficulty
Easy
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

BackCore

Equipment

Cable machine

How to do it

  1. Set a bar or rope on a high pulley and stand a step back with your feet hip width.
  2. Hinge forward slightly, hold the handle with straight arms at head height and keep a soft elbow bend.
  3. Sweep your arms down in an arc until your hands reach your thighs.
  4. Return under control to head height without bending your elbows.

Coaching cues

  • Lock the elbow angle so your lats, not your triceps, move the weight.
  • Keep your ribs down and your core braced instead of rocking your torso.