- You will start by grabbing the wide bar from the top pulley of a pulldown machine and using a wider than shoulder-width pronated (palms down) grip. Step backwards two feet or so.
- Bend your torso forward at the waist by around 30-degrees with your arms fully extended in front of you and a slight bend at the elbows. If your arms are not fully extended then you need to step a bit more backwards until they are. Once your arms are fully extended and your torso is slightly bent at the waist, tighten the lats and then you are ready to begin.
- While keeping the arms straight, pull the bar down by contracting the lats until your hands are next to the side of the thighs. Breathe out as you perform this step.
- While keeping the arms straight, go back to the starting position while breathing in.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: Can also be performed with a shorter shoulder-width straight bar or with a rope attachment.
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Apr 11, 2013 10:43 PM: It's the one exercise that I actually feel my lats working.
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Dec 11, 2012 4:25 PM: This looks like a really good workout. Tomorrows back and biceps day for me so I will do this!
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Nov 8, 2012 5:25 PM: I don't know if I'm doing this exercise right but I really feel it in my triceps, and I don't think they are supposed to be activated.
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Jul 31, 2012 7:21 AM: I feel it more in my triceps. What could I be doing wrong? Thanks for your help.
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Jun 1, 2012 8:26 AM: How does this compare with cable incline pushdown?
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
May 24, 2012 5:07 PM: I really love it. I use a V-bar and slow motion for higher intensity.
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Tip: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Mar 6, 2012 2:56 PM: I love doing this exercise mid-work out. Never really need to go super heavy on it becaue it's all about the squeeze. Squeeze and contract at the bottom of the movement, with little rest between sets this gives a fantastic pump!
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Sep 8, 2011 1:21 PM: Great exercise! It really isolates the lats, particularly the lower lats. Good form and mind-muscle connection is key. flex hard it the bottom and go extra slow and controlled on the negative, gives a great burn.
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Mar 24, 2011 3:14 PM: Good Exercise!
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Review: Straight-Arm Pulldown
Mar 24, 2011 11:01 AM: This is a great way to isolate the lats. Pullups and rows just don't hit them hard enough.