Back to Library

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:

  1. Cable Machine: Position yourself seated at a cable pulldown machine with the pulley set to the highest position.
  2. Attachment: Attach a D-handle to the cable.
  3. 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:

  1. 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).
  2. Squeeze at the Bottom: Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your lats and feeling the contraction.
  3. Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handle to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.
  4. 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

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

pull up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

BackRear Shoulder
Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

BackRear Shoulder
Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

BackBiceps+1
Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

BackBiceps+1
Landmine

t-bar row

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine

machine low row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine

machine high row

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable low seated row

BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

BackRear Shoulder
None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

BackBiceps
None

superman row with towel

BackBiceps
Row Cable

cable seated row(rope)

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring high suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

BackChest+2
Resistance Band

band seated row

BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

BackQuads+2