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Resistance Band Single-Arm Lat Pull Down

Intermediate
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A unilateral vertical pull using a resistance band anchored overhead that targets the lats and biceps to build back strength and address imbalances; commonly used as a portable alternative to machine pulldowns.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Teres Major

Biceps

8/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Shoulders

7/10

Rear Delts

Traps

6/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Secure a resistance band to a high anchor point overhead. Kneel or sit facing the anchor, grasping the band with one hand, arm fully extended upward.

  1. Initiate the movement by depressing your shoulder blade.
  2. Pull your elbow down towards your hip, keeping it close to your torso.
  3. Squeeze your lat muscles firmly at the bottom of the movement.
  4. Slowly extend your arm back to the starting position, resisting the band's pull.
  5. Maintain a stable torso and avoid rotating your spine.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive elbow to hip
  • Keep shoulder down
  • Control the return
  • Chest up

Breathing

Inhale as you extend your arm upward; exhale as you pull the band down.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Full extension overhead to elbow reaching the side of the torso.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the band is securely anchored to a stable object.
  • Check band for tears or wear before use.

Spotting

Not recommended; self-spot by adjusting band tension or position.

Common Mistakes

  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Using momentum
  • Rotating torso
  • Flaring elbow out

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute back pain
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Basic pulling form
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

One-Arm Band Lat Pulldown, Single-Arm Banded Pulldown, Unilateral Band Lat Pull, Band Single Arm Pulldown

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