cable pushdown (straight arm) v. 2: technique and muscles worked

Animated demonstration of cable pushdown (straight arm) v. 2

How to do this exercise

Step:1 Attach a straight bar to a high pulley cable machine.
Step:2 Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees.
Step:3 Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, keeping your arms straight and your palms facing down.
Step:4 Engage your core and keep your back straight as you exhale and push the bar down towards your thighs.
Step:5 Pause for a moment at the bottom, then slowly return the bar to the starting position while inhaling.
Step:6 Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Equipment: Barbell Cable machine
Body part: Back
Target muscle: Latissimus dorsi
Secondary muscle: Triceps Trapezius Rhomboids Posterior deltoid Rectus abdominis

Hypertrophy grade

Good7 / 10

Nemeo’s take

This exercise is excellent for isolating the latissimus dorsi because the stability offered by the pulley allows you to really target the muscle without the grip or core being limiting, unlike variations like the dumbbell pullover. The tension remains constant throughout the amplitude, particularly in the stretched position. However, the potential for progressive overload is more limited than with traditional pull-ups, which can hinder long-term progress.

This catalog score reflects Nemeo’s assessment of the exercise’s muscle-building potential. It is not a standardized scientific rating or a personalized recommendation.

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cable pushdown (straight arm) v. 2

How to do this exercise

Turn this exercise into progress.

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