Straight-arm cable pulldown
General guidance. This page has not been reviewed by a qualified professional yet.
Straight-arm cable pulldown. Keep elbow angle nearly fixed as you sweep the handle toward your thighs and return slowly.
How to do this exercise: Straight-arm cable pulldownSetup · movement · load
- Set your position
Stand in front of a high pulley, grip the handle and hinge slightly with softly bent elbows.
- Make the movement
Keep elbow angle nearly fixed as you sweep the handle toward your thighs and return slowly.
- Breathe and control the pace
Breathe out during the harder part and in on the return. Control the return instead of dropping the weight. Two reps in reserve means you could do about two more clean repetitions.
Do not turn the movement into a triceps elbow extension.
Log the number shown on the machine. Pulley ratios vary, so compare results on the same machine.
For your first use, ask staff to show you the machine settings and safety release. Stop for sharp pain. This basic guide is awaiting professional review.
- Type
- Strength
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sides
- Both sides together
- How load is measured
- Machine-displayed load
Main muscles
Lats
Supporting muscles
Triceps
Equipment
Load values are only comparable on the same exercise and equipment.
How to do it
- Stand in front of a high pulley, grip the handle and hinge slightly with softly bent elbows.
- Keep elbow angle nearly fixed as you sweep the handle toward your thighs and return slowly.
Common mistakes
- Do not turn the movement into a triceps elbow extension.
Safety notes
- Start with easy resistance and breathe continuously. Stop for sharp pain; ask gym staff to demonstrate unfamiliar equipment.