Neutral-Grip Pulldown

The most shoulder-friendly pulldown — palms facing, elbows driving straight down.

Lats, Back, BicepsCable MachineBeginner
TARGET MUSCLES

Setup

  1. Locked under the pads, neutral (palms-facing) handle.
  2. Tall chest, slight lean back, arms long overhead.

How To Do It

  1. Pull the handle to your upper chest, elbows down to your ribs.
  2. Squeeze the lats one beat.
  3. Ride the handle back to a full overhead stretch.

Breathing

Exhale pulling down.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning way back to turn it into a row — small lean, set once.
  • Half returns — full stretch each rep builds the lat.
Coach Sam's cue: Elbows to your back pockets, chest to the handle.

Programming It

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–54–62–3+ min
Muscle3–48–1260–90 sec
Endurance / Conditioning2–315–2030–45 sec

Form guide for educational purposes — not medical advice. New to training or working around an issue? Apply for coaching and get a plan built for your body.