FastFit BETA
BasicStrength
Drag to rotate 360°
Speed for this exercise

Band Lat Pulldown

Try it now
3sets
12-15reps
60srest
~4.9kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
BicepsUpper Back

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Lats

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inLats

Lats — the sides of your back under the armpits — and between the shoulder blades.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Pull the elbows down to your back pockets, chest up.”

Tempo · Pull 1 s · pause 1 · lower 3 s

Choosing the load: Pick a weight you finish with 1–2 good reps left. 4+ left = too light; form breaks = too heavy.

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Front of armsPulling with the arms. Hold the bar like hooks (thumb over) and start each rep by pulling the shoulders down.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripGrip gives out first. Use straps or a thumbless grip, and train dead hangs separately.
  • Feel it in Neck / upper trapsShoulders creeping to the ears. Pull the shoulder blades down first, then bend the elbows.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Kneel on a mat and keep your hips stacked over your knees.
  • A great home alternative to the pulldown machine; anchor the band securely over a door or bar.
  • Squeeze your glutes to keep your lower back from arching.
  • Pick a band tension that lets you finish every rep with good form.

Common mistakes

  • Leaning back to use your body weight instead of your lats.

Breathing

Exhale as you pull down, inhale as your arms return overhead.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle