At a glance
| Equipment | Cable |
|---|---|
| Experience level | Beginner |
| Movement pattern | Shoulder extension |
| Primary muscle | Lats |
| Also works | Triceps, Serratus |
The movement, step by step.
- Attach a straight bar or rope to a high pulley. Step back and hinge slightly, starting with arms reaching forward and upward.
- Keep a soft, fixed elbow bend and brace the trunk with knees relaxed.
- Sweep the upper arms toward your sides until the hands approach the thighs, without driving the torso downward.
- Let the arms return upward slowly until you reach a comfortable lat stretch while maintaining the hinge.
Technique cues
- Move at the shoulders; keep elbows nearly still.
- Keep ribs from flaring as the arms rise.
- Finish with hands near the thighs, not far behind.
Common mistakes
- Bending the elbows to turn the movement into a triceps pushdown.
- Using a torso swing to push the attachment down.
Watch & learn
Professional demonstrations, opened on YouTube.
- How To Do Straight Arm Lat Pulldowns — PureGym.
Alternatives
Log it in Club 1000 Plus
In the app, Learn on a workout opens this same guide for Cable - Standing Lat Front Swing, Cable - Straight Bar Lat Pullover, Cable - Wide Lat Front Swing, without losing your selected exercise or unsaved sets.
Open in Workout Explorer. Watch the demonstrations in place, compare it with another exercise and browse the whole library.
Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.