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Cable 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 Cable Underhand Pulldown

The Cable Underhand Pulldown is a strength-building exercise that primarily targets the muscles in the back, including the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids, while also engaging the biceps and shoulders. It is suitable for individuals at all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, due to its adjustable resistance. This exercise is beneficial for those wanting to improve their upper body strength, posture, and muscular definition, as well as for enhancing performance in activities that involve pulling or lifting.

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

  • Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart, grab the bar with an underhand grip (palms facing towards you) and keep your hands at shoulder-width distance.
  • Pull the bar down while keeping your back straight and your elbows close to your body, until the bar is at chest level.
  • Pause for a moment to feel the contraction in your muscles, then slowly return the bar back to the starting position, ensuring that you fully extend your arms and feel the stretch in your lats.
  • Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions, making sure to keep your movements controlled and steady.

Tips for Performing Cable Underhand Pulldown

  • Grip: Hold the bar with an underhand grip, meaning your palms should be facing towards you. This grip targets the muscles in the back and biceps more effectively. A common mistake is to grip the bar too tightly, which can strain the wrists and forearms. Your grip should be firm but relaxed.
  • Controlled Movement: Avoid the mistake of using momentum to pull the bar down. This can lead to less effective muscle engagement and potential injury. Instead, focus on a slow, controlled movement both when pulling the bar down and when returning it to the starting position. This allows for maximum muscle engagement and helps to build strength more effectively.
  • Range of Motion: Aim to pull the

Cable Underhand Pulldown FAQs

Can beginners do the Cable Underhand Pulldown?

Yes, beginners can do the Cable Underhand Pulldown exercise. However, it's important to start with a light weight to ensure proper form and prevent injury. It's also beneficial to have a personal trainer or fitness professional demonstrate the exercise first to ensure you're doing it correctly. As with any exercise, it's important to gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.

What are common variations of the Cable Underhand Pulldown?

  • The Single Arm Cable Pulldown is another variation where you perform the exercise one arm at a time, allowing for more individual focus on each lat muscle.
  • The Wide-Grip Cable Pulldown is a variation that targets the outer lats by using a wider grip on the bar.
  • The Close-Grip Cable Pulldown is a variation that targets the inner lats and upper back muscles by using a close grip on the bar.
  • The Reverse-Grip Cable Pulldown is a variation where you grip the bar with palms facing you, which targets the lower lats and biceps more effectively.

What are good complementing exercises for the Cable Underhand Pulldown?

  • Barbell Bent Over Rows are another complementary exercise as they require a similar pulling motion, which enhances the strength and endurance of the back and biceps, muscles that are primarily used in underhand pulldowns.
  • Pull-ups are a bodyweight exercise that complements the Cable Underhand Pulldown by engaging the same muscle groups, particularly the latissimus dorsi and biceps, but from a different angle, promoting functional fitness and muscle symmetry.

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