One Arm Lat Pulldown Exercise

Builds strength and control by improving stability, coordination, and efficient movement.

One Arm Lat Pulldown
One Arm Lat Pulldown
Level: beginner
Equipment: cable
Force: pull
Mechanic: compound
Core muscles: lats
Secondary muscle: biceps, middle back

Description

One arm lat pulldown focuses on controlled movement and maintaining proper body alignment throughout the exercise. The goal is to create tension where needed while avoiding unnecessary strain or momentum. This helps improve movement quality, joint stability, and overall physical control.

Instructions:

  1. Select an appropriate weight and adjust the knee pad to help keep you down. Grasp the handle with a pronated grip. This will be your starting position.
  2. Pull the handle down, squeezing your elbow to your side as you flex the elbow.
  3. Pause at the bottom of the motion, and then slowly return the handle to the starting position.
  4. For multiple repetitions, avoid completely returning the weight to keep tension on the muscles being worked.

Exercise FAQ

What’s the safest way to progress over time?

Add a small amount of reps first, then load. If technique slips, step back and rebuild with cleaner reps.

Which muscles should feel like they’re doing most of the work?

You should feel the target muscles working while the rest of the body stays braced. If a joint or the lower back is doing the heavy lifting, reduce load and tighten your setup. Think of it as pulling done with repeatable, clean reps.

How should I program this in a workout?

Use it after your warm-up when you’re fresh. Aim for 2–4 sets and choose a rep range that matches your goal (strength: lower reps; muscle: moderate reps). Think of it as pulling done with repeatable, clean reps.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or fitness advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. Exercise safely and listen to your body.

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