Back Exercise · Cable

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Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown

Crossing the cables in front of the body during a lat pulldown changes the angle of pull compared to a straight-bar version, letting the lats contract through a slightly different plane. It's less common than a standard pulldown, usually seen as a way to add variety once the basic movement has been mastered. The crossing angle rewards a controlled pull more than heavy weight — rushing it turns the crossover into a wrestling match with the handles.

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Category

Back

Equipment

Cable

Target

Lats

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown

1. Attach a cable handle to each side of a cable machine at shoulder height.
2. Stand in the middle of the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Grip the handles overhand and step back to create tension in the cables.
4. Lean forward slightly from the hips, keeping your back straight and your chest lifted.
5. Pull the handles down and across your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
6. Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, then slowly return to the starting position.
7. Complete your planned set count, emphasizing full range of motion and strong peak contraction in the lats.

Technique & Form Tips

Execute the movement by bending the elbows to pull the body toward the bar or the attachment toward the torso. Movement depends on the specific setup, emphasizing the vertical plane of the pull.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Excessive leaning: Adjust your posture to focus on the intended vertical path of the pull.
• Jerking into the pull: Start the pull smoothly rather than using a sudden yank or swing.
• Using the wrong attachment path: Check the demonstrated grip and path before starting. Front and rear variations have different setups; do not force an uncomfortable position.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Inhale and exhale consistently as you perform the pull.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown mainly targets your Lats, with your Biceps helping support the movement, along with your Rhomboids, Rear Deltoids.

More Back Exercises

Alternate Lateral Pulldown Cable · Lats Archer Pull Up Body Weight · Lats Assisted Parallel Close Grip Pull-Up Leverage Machine · Lats Assisted Pull-Up Leverage Machine · Lats Assisted Standing Chin-Up Leverage Machine · Lats Assisted Standing Pull-Up Leverage Machine · Lats

More Lats Exercises

Back Pec Stretch Body Weight · Lats Band Assisted Pull-Up Band · Lats Band Close-Grip Pulldown Band · Lats Band Fixed Back Close Grip Pulldown Band · Lats Band Fixed Back Underhand Pulldown Band · Lats Band Kneeling One Arm Pulldown Band · Lats

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have cable? These target the same lats with different equipment.

Bench Pull-Ups Body Weight · Lats Band Assisted Pull-Up Band · Lats Lever Assisted Chin-Up Leverage Machine · Lats Weighted Close Grip Chin-Up On Dip Cage Weighted · Lats

FAQ

What muscles does the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown work?

The Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown mainly works your lats. It also helps strengthen your biceps and rhomboids, rear deltoids. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown?

You do the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown with a cable. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown?

One mistake to watch for is excessive leaning: Adjust your posture to focus on the intended vertical path of the pull.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Cable Cross-Over Lateral Pulldown?

The Bench Pull-Ups trains your lats with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.