All Exercises

Band kneeling one arm pulldown

Strengthen your lats and upper back with the band kneeling one-arm pulldown. This effective exercise targets back muscles and improves unilateral strength.

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
45s per set1 min rest

Description

An exercise that involves kneeling and pulling a resistance band downwards with one hand, focusing on the back muscles.

How to Do Band kneeling one arm pulldown

  1. 1
    Setup

    Kneel on the floor facing an anchor point (e.g., door frame, sturdy pole) with a resistance band securely attached overhead. Position yourself far enough away so there's tension on the band at the starting position.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Grasp the band's handle with one hand using an overhand grip, palm facing down, and extend your arm overhead, keeping your torso upright and core engaged. Ensure your working arm is fully extended and your shoulder is slightly elevated.

  3. 3

    Initiate the movement by depressing and retracting your shoulder blade, then pull the band down towards your side, driving your elbow towards your hip. Focus on squeezing your latissimus dorsi as you exhale.

  4. 4

    Continue pulling until your hand is roughly level with your shoulder or chest, maintaining control and preventing your torso from rotating excessively.

  5. 5

    Slowly and with control, reverse the motion, allowing the band to pull your arm back to the starting overhead position. Inhale as you extend your arm, feeling a stretch in your lat.

Tips

  • Maintain a stable torso throughout the movement by engaging your core and preventing excessive rotation or leaning away from the anchor point.
  • Focus on initiating the pull with your back muscles, specifically envisioning your elbow driving downwards, rather than just pulling with your biceps.
  • Control the eccentric (return) phase of the movement, allowing for a full stretch in the lat before starting the next repetition.
  • Adjust your distance from the anchor point or use a different band to find the appropriate resistance level that challenges you without compromising form.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using too much arm/biceps: People often pull predominantly with their biceps; instead, focus on driving the elbow down and back, feeling the contraction in your lat.
  • ×Excessive torso rotation or leaning: Leaning away or rotating your torso to assist the pull reduces tension on the target muscles; keep your core tight and maintain an upright, stable posture.
  • ×Short range of motion: Not fully extending the arm at the top or not pulling down far enough limits muscle activation; ensure a complete stretch and a full contraction with each rep.

Variations

Related Exercises

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