Target Muscle

    Upper Back

    Equipment

    Cable

    Difficulty

    Intermediate

    Category

    Strength

    Cable Reverse Grip Pulldown

    The cable reverse grip pulldown targets the upper back and lats using a cable machine. It involves pulling a cable attachment down towards your torso with an underhand grip, emphasizing the lats and bicep.

    Also Works

    BicepsForearms

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Sit on the seat facing the cable machine with your feet flat on the floor.

    2. 2

      Grasp the cable attachment with an underhand grip, palms facing up, and your hands shoulder-width apart.

    3. 3

      Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward from your hips.

    4. 4

      Pull the cable towards your torso by retracting your shoulder blades and squeezing your back muscles.

    5. 5

      Pause for a moment at the peak of the contraction, then slowly release the cable back to the starting position.

    6. 6

      Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Use a shoulder-width underhand grip. This supinated position shifts emphasis to the lower lats and increases bicep involvement compared to an overhand pulldown.
    • Pull the bar toward your lower chest while arching your upper back slightly to maximize the contraction in the lower lat fibers.
    • Squeeze your lats at the bottom for a full second before slowly releasing the bar back to the top.

    Common Mistakes

    • Gripping too wide with an underhand grip, which places excessive stress on the wrists and limits range of motion.
    • Leaning too far back, which turns the pulldown into a row and reduces the vertical pull angle needed for lat development.
    • Relying on the biceps to pull the weight rather than initiating the movement with shoulder blade depression.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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