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Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown

Expert Advice

Focus on pulling through your elbow to fully engage the lat muscles.

How-to-do Steps

  1. Attach a handle to a high pulley and sit side-on to the cable machine.
  2. Grasp the handle with one hand, arm extended upwards.
  3. Pull the handle down towards your side, keeping your body straight.
  4. Slowly return to the starting position with your arm fully extended.
  5. Complete all reps on one side before switching to the other side.

Track Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown in FitAI

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Muscles Worked

Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown primarily targets the Lats, with Strength mechanics using Cable. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.

Primary
Lats
Lats50%
Secondary
Biceps
Biceps10%
Forearms
Forearms10%
Shoulders
Shoulders10%
Abs
Abs10%
Chest
Chest5%
Traps
Traps5%
Equipment
Cable
Cable
Exercise Type
Strength
50%Lats10%Biceps10%Forearms10%Shoulders10%Abs5%Chest5%Traps

Sets & Reps Guidance

Beginner3 x 10-12
Intermediate4 x 8-10
Advanced4 x 6-8

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown work?
This exercise directly targets your lats, with secondary activation in your biceps, forearms, shoulders, abs, chest, and traps. It is one of the most popular lats exercises in the gym and uses a cable.
What is the most common mistake with Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown?
The biggest mistake is pulling with your arms instead of initiating the movement from your back. Slow down, focus on feeling the lats work through the full range of motion, and use a weight or difficulty level you can actually control.
How many sets and reps should I do for Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown?
Start with 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. If the exercise works one side at a time, do 10 to 15 reps per side. Rest 30 to 60 seconds between sets. Pick a weight that makes the last 2 to 3 reps feel challenging but doable with good form. Track your sets in the FitAI app to make sure you are progressing over time.
What can I do instead of Cable One Arm Lat Pulldown if I don't have a cable?
You can substitute a resistance band anchored to a door frame or sturdy object and still target your lats effectively. The key is keeping the same movement pattern and range of motion. The resistance source matters less than how you control the movement.