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.

Save Band kneeling one arm pulldown to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

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.

In the Ellim app, Band kneeling one arm pulldown unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

  • Log sets, reps, and weight

    Track every set as you train

  • See your strength curve

    Performance graphs across all sessions

  • Add to a routine

    Save into a custom workout in one tap

  • Rest timer with Live Activity

    Dynamic Island countdown between sets

  • HealthKit sync

    Workouts flow to Apple Health

  • 3,500+ exercise library

    Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train band kneeling one arm pulldown?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Band kneeling one arm pulldown work?
Band kneeling one arm pulldown primarily targets Latissimus Dorsi. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Posterior, Levator Scapulae, Obliques, Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head, Teres Major, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers.
Is Band kneeling one arm pulldown good for beginners?
Band kneeling one arm pulldown is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Band kneeling one arm pulldown?
You need Band to perform Band kneeling one arm pulldown. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Band kneeling one arm pulldown?
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.
What are common mistakes when doing Band kneeling one arm pulldown?
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.

Track every rep of Band kneeling one arm pulldown.

Watch your weight climb session by session. See your strength curve. Add it to a routine you'll actually run.

Get Ellim — Free

Ready to train?

Band kneeling one arm pulldown

Get Ellim — Free