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Underhand Pulldown

Exercise Profile

Body PartBack
EquipmentCable
Primary MusclesLatissimus Dorsi
Secondary MusclesBrachialis, Brachioradialis, Deltoid Posterior, Teres Major, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers
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Introduction to the Underhand Pulldown

The Underhand Pulldown is a strength-building exercise that primarily targets the muscles in your back, biceps, and shoulders, promoting muscle growth and endurance. It is an excellent workout for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts as it can be easily modified to match individual strength levels. Incorporating this exercise into a fitness routine can help improve posture, enhance physical performance in various sports, and contribute to a well-rounded upper body workout.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Underhand Pulldown

  • Grasp the bar with an underhand grip, with your hands being shoulder-width apart, and lean back slightly while keeping your back straight.
  • Pull the bar down towards your chest by squeezing your shoulder blades together and bending your elbows.
  • Hold this position for a second, ensuring that the bar is close to your chest and your elbows are close to your sides.
  • Slowly extend your arms back up to the starting position, allowing the bar to rise while maintaining control, and then repeat the movement for the desired number of reps.

Tips for Performing Underhand Pulldown

  • Controlled Movement: Avoid jerking or rapid movements. Pull the bar down in a slow, controlled manner and resist the weight as you return to the starting position. This will maximize muscle engagement and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Full Range of Motion: Ensure you're fully extending your arms at the top of the movement and pulling the bar all the way down to your chest at the bottom. Half-reps won't fully stimulate the muscles and could lead to imbalances.
  • Don't Overload: Lifting more weight than you can handle can lead to poor form and potential injuries. Start with a manageable weight and gradually increase it as your strength improves.
  • Keep Elbows Close: A common mistake is to let your elbows flare out to the

Underhand Pulldown FAQs

Can beginners do the Underhand Pulldown?

Yes, beginners can perform the Underhand Pulldown exercise. However, it's important to start with light weights to ensure proper form and prevent injury. It's also beneficial to have a personal trainer or experienced gym-goer supervise the first few sessions to ensure the exercise is being done correctly. As with any exercise, gradually increasing the weight as strength improves is key.

What are common variations of the Underhand Pulldown?

  • Close-Grip Underhand Pulldown: This version uses a closer grip, focusing on the lower lats and biceps.
  • Single-Arm Underhand Pulldown: This variation is performed one arm at a time, allowing for greater focus on individual muscle groups.
  • Underhand Pulldown with Resistance Bands: Instead of using a cable machine, this variation uses resistance bands, providing a different kind of tension and challenge.
  • Underhand Pulldown on a Stability Ball: By performing the exercise on a stability ball, you engage your core muscles for balance and stability, adding an additional challenge to the exercise.

What are good complementing exercises for the Underhand Pulldown?

  • Bent-over Rows can also complement Underhand Pulldowns as they target not just the lats, but also the middle and lower traps, rhomboids, and erector spinae, providing a more comprehensive back workout.
  • Wide Grip Lat Pulldowns are another exercise that complements Underhand Pulldowns because they focus on the upper lats and teres major, enhancing the overall development and definition of the back muscles.

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