Exercise 0199 · REF PskORrA
Keeping the arms straight during this pushdown shifts the target from the triceps to the lats, using a motion closer to a straight-arm pulldown than a typical elbow-bending pushdown. It's a less obvious lat exercise that isolates the muscle without any bicep assistance, since the elbows barely move. Standing tall and hinging slightly at the hips as the bar comes down keeps the lats doing the work instead of the shoulders.
How to Do the Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2
- Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine.
- Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, keeping your arms straight and your palms facing down.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight as you exhale and push the bar down towards your thighs.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then slowly return the bar to the starting position while inhaling.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
The Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2 primarily targets the Lats, with Triceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders.
More Back Exercises
Alternate Lateral Pulldown
Archer Pull Up
Assisted Parallel Close Grip Pull-Up
Assisted Pull-Up
Assisted Standing Chin-Up
Assisted Standing Pull-Up
More Lats Exercises
Back Pec Stretch
Band Assisted Pull-Up
Band Close-Grip Pulldown
Band Fixed Back Close Grip Pulldown
Band Fixed Back Underhand Pulldown
Band Kneeling One Arm Pulldown
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have cable? These target the same lats with different equipment.
FAQ
- What muscles does the Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2 work?
- The Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2 primarily targets the lats, with the triceps and shoulders assisting.
- What equipment do I need for the Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2?
- The Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2 is done with a cable.
- What's a good alternative to the Cable Pushdown (straight Arm) V. 2?
- If you don't have access to a cable, the Archer Pull Up targets the same lats using body weight instead.