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Exercise Guide
How to do cable one arm lat pulldown
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable one arm lat pulldown is a unilateral back exercise that allows for a greater range of motion and better mind-muscle connection than the traditional version. By working one side at a time, you can address muscular imbalances and pull deeper into the lat. This movement emphasizes the latissimus dorsi and improves overall back symmetry and stability using smooth cable resistance.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Lat Pulldown
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine: Position yourself seated at a cable pulldown machine with the pulley set to the highest position.
- Attachment: Attach a D-handle to the cable.
- Grip and Stance: Reach up and grab the D-handle with a neutral grip (palm facing you). Ensure your non-working hand is grasping the machine or bench for stability. You can adjust the seat height as needed.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pulldown: Exhale and pull the handle down towards your hip, keeping your elbow close to your body. Focus on engaging your lat muscle (the large muscle on the side of your back).
- Squeeze at the Bottom: Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your lats and feeling the contraction.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handle to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.
- Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
Tips:
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbow close to your body as you pull down to emphasize lat engagement.
- Neutral Spine: Maintain a straight back and avoid leaning too far forward or back.
- Focus on the Lat: Concentrate on pulling the handle down with your lat muscle, not your arm or shoulder.
- Variations: You can experiment with different grips (supinated, pronated, or neutral) to vary muscle activation.
Common mistakes: Excessive trunk rotation and pulling with the biceps instead of the lats.
Alternatives
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Lat Pulldown
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Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
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Pull Up Bar
chin ups narrow parallel grip
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Pull Up Bar
pull up
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Lat Pulldown
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Pull Up Bar
close grip chin up
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Lat Pulldown
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Row Cable
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Barbell
barbell bent over row
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Cable
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BackRear Shoulder
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BackRear Shoulder
Barbell
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Bench
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Front Pulldown
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Dumbbell
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Barbell
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Barbell
t-bar row(v-grip)
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Landmine
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Lat Pulldown
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
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Low Row Machine
machine low row
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Barbell
barbell reverse grip supported row
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Pulldown Machine
machine lateral pulldown
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown reverse close grip
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High Row Machine
machine high row
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Row Cable
cable low seated row
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Seated Row Machine
machine seated row
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Cable
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BackRear Shoulder
None
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None
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Row Cable
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Rings
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Squat Rack
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Kettlebell
kettlebell bent over row
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Rings
ring suspended row
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Dumbbell
dumbbell pull over
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Resistance Band
band seated row
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Rowing Machine
rowing on rowing machine
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