Cable one arm lat pulldown

Sculpt a strong, wide back with the Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown. This effective exercise isolates your latissimus dorsi while engaging your core for

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A strength training exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi muscle of the back. It involves pulling down a cable attached to a weight stack, using one hand at a time.

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How to Do Cable one arm lat pulldown

  1. 1
    Setup

    Adjust the cable pulley to a high position, then attach a single-grip handle. Ensure the weight stack is appropriate for your strength level.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Stand or kneel facing the machine, grasp the handle with an overhand grip, and step back slightly to create initial tension. Your working arm should be fully extended overhead with your shoulder slightly elevated.

  3. 3

    Engage your core, keep your chest up, and initiate the pull by driving your elbow down towards your hip, squeezing your latissimus dorsi.

  4. 4

    Continue pulling until your elbow is alongside your torso or slightly behind it, feeling a strong contraction in your side and upper back.

  5. 5

    Slowly and with control, allow your arm to extend back to the starting position, letting your lat fully stretch before beginning the next repetition.

  6. 6

    Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm, maintaining consistent form throughout the set.

Tips

  • Focus on the mind-muscle connection by consciously thinking about pulling with your lat muscle, not just your biceps, throughout the movement.
  • Maintain a stable torso, keeping your core braced and avoiding excessive leaning or twisting to isolate the lat and prevent injury.
  • Control the eccentric (return) phase of the movement; slowly resisting the weight on the way up enhances muscle growth and control.
  • Experiment with different body positions, such as kneeling or standing, to find the most stable and effective way to engage your lat.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using too much momentum or body sway reduces the effectiveness of the exercise; lower the weight and focus on strict, controlled movements with a stable torso.
  • ×Not fully extending the arm at the top of the movement limits the range of motion; allow a full stretch in the lat at the top to maximize muscle activation.
  • ×Pulling primarily with the biceps instead of the back diminishes lat engagement; think about driving your elbow down and back, leading with your elbow rather than just bending your arm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Cable one arm lat pulldown work?
Cable one arm lat pulldown primarily targets Latissimus Dorsi. Secondary muscles include Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Deltoid Posterior, Obliques, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head, Teres Major, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers.
Is Cable one arm lat pulldown good for beginners?
Cable one arm lat 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 Cable one arm lat pulldown?
You need Cable to perform Cable one arm lat 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 Cable one arm lat pulldown?
Focus on the mind-muscle connection by consciously thinking about pulling with your lat muscle, not just your biceps, throughout the movement. Maintain a stable torso, keeping your core braced and avoiding excessive leaning or twisting to isolate the lat and prevent injury. Control the eccentric (return) phase of the movement; slowly resisting the weight on the way up enhances muscle growth and control. Experiment with different body positions, such as kneeling or standing, to find the most stable and effective way to engage your lat.
What are common mistakes when doing Cable one arm lat pulldown?
Using too much momentum or body sway reduces the effectiveness of the exercise; lower the weight and focus on strict, controlled movements with a stable torso. Not fully extending the arm at the top of the movement limits the range of motion; allow a full stretch in the lat at the top to maximize muscle activation. Pulling primarily with the biceps instead of the back diminishes lat engagement; think about driving your elbow down and back, leading with your elbow rather than just bending your arm.

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Cable one arm lat pulldown

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