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Lats exercise · cable

Cable Rear Pulldown

The cable rear pulldown is a cable exercise that targets the lats, with the biceps, rhomboids and rear deltoids assisting.

Animated demonstration of the cable rear pulldown
Cable Rear Pulldown — demonstration
Target muscle
Lats
Also works
Biceps, rhomboids, rear deltoids
Equipment
Cable
Body part
Back

How to do the cable rear pulldown

  1. Adjust the cable machine so that the pulley is at the highest position.
  2. Sit facing the machine with your feet flat on the ground and your knees slightly bent.
  3. Grasp the cable attachment with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight and your chest up.
  5. Pull the cable attachment down towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  6. Pause for a moment at the bottom of the movement, then slowly release the cable back up to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the lats. The biceps, rhomboids and rear deltoids work as secondary muscles. See all lat exercises or every cable exercise.

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