Resistance Band Straight Arm Pulldown

How to do it

Secure a resistance band above head height. Stand facing the anchor point and grasp the band with both hands shoulder-width apart, arms straight. Brace your core and, without bending your elbows, draw the band down toward your thighs by squeezing your shoulder blades and pulling with your lats. Pause briefly at the bottom, then slowly let the band return overhead under control. Keep your torso still and arms straight throughout.

1. 1Anchor the band overhead and with arms straight, pull it down toward your thighs; you should feel your lats engage as your arms move down
2. 2Keep your shoulders depressed and your core tight throughout the movement
3. 3Pause at the bottom and squeeze your lats before slowly returning to the start

Common mistakes

• ×Don't bend your elbows or pull with your biceps
• ×Avoid leaning back or using your lower back to help the movement
• ×Don't allow the band to snap back uncontrolled; keep the motion smooth

Muscles worked

The resistance band straight arm pulldown mainly works the lats, with the lower traps, forearms, and mid traps assisting.

• LatsPrimary
• Lower TrapsSupport
• ForearmsSupport
• Mid TrapsSupport
• BicepsMinor
• TricepsMinor
• Upper AbsMinor
• Rear DeltsMinor