Appears in642 Workouts*

Cable Standing Lat Pushdown

Strengthen your back with Cable Standing Lat Pushdowns! A great exercise to build upper body strength & improve posture.

The Cable Standing Lat Pushdown is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and traps, with help from the shoulders. You'll need: rope attachment or straight bar attachment or cable machine.

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Required Equipment

Cable Machine
Cable Machine
Rope Attachment
Rope Attachment
Straight Bar Attachment
Straight Bar Attachment

Cable Standing Lat Pushdown Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)

Secondary

Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)

How to do the Cable Standing Lat Pushdown

  1. Setup:

    • Adjust the cable machine to the highest setting.

    • Attach the straight bar or rope to the pulley.

  2. Starting Position:

    • Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Grasp the bar or rope with both hands, using an overhand grip (palms facing down).

    • Step back slightly to create tension in the cable while keeping your arms extended overhead.

    • Keep your knees slightly bent and engage your core for stability.

  3. Body Position:

    • Lean forward slightly from your hips while maintaining a straight back.

    • Your arms should be fully extended above your head, and your elbows should be in line with your torso.

  4. Movement:

    • Inhale deeply, then exhale as you pull the cable down.

    • Use your back muscles to draw the bar or rope down towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.

    • Your arms should move in a controlled manner and not swing.

  5. Finish Position:

    • Pull until your hands reach about chest height or slightly lower, feeling the contraction in your lat muscles.

    • Hold this position for a moment to maximize the contraction.

  6. Return Movement:

    • Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control over the weight.

    • Do not let the weight stack touch down completely; keep some tension in the cable for continuous engagement.

  7. Repetitions:

    • Aim for 10-15 repetitions for 2-3 sets, depending on your fitness level.

  8. Cool Down:

    • After completing your sets, ensure to stretch your back and arms to cool down and promote flexibility.

Tips:

  • Keep your movements slow and controlled to avoid injury.

  • Focus on using your back and shoulders rather than your arms for the movement.

  • Adjust the weight on the machine according to your strength level to maintain good form.

Cable Standing Lat Pushdown FAQs

What muscles does the Cable Standing Lat Pushdown work?

The Cable Standing Lat Pushdown mainly works the back and traps, with help from the shoulders. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and trapezius.

What equipment do you need for the Cable Standing Lat Pushdown?

Rope attachment or straight bar attachment or cable machine.

Is the Cable Standing Lat Pushdown a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Cable Standing Lat Pushdown go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Cable Standing Lat Pushdown variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Cable Hammer Pushdown Jack, Cable Standing Pulldown, Cable Standing Supinated Face Pull and Cable Lateral Pulldown.

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