Cable Incline Pushdown

Cable Incline Pushdown is a strength – supported straight-arm pulldown exercise involving Latissimus dorsi. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.

Last updated: 2026-10-31 · DynPerformance

Primary muscles: Latissimus dorsi
Secondary muscles: Pectoralis major, Triceps brachii long head
Exercise type: Strength – supported straight-arm pulldown

Exercise technique

Bench
Set an incline bench with your back toward the high pulley.
Grip
Take a shoulder-width overhand grip on the straight bar.
Support
Secure your back against the pad and feet on the floor.
Start
Hold the bar with long arms slightly ahead of your upper thighs.
Lengthen
Maintain elbow angle and move the bar overhead in a semicircle.
Pull
Lower your upper arms to bring the bar before your thighs again.
Breathing
Exhale during the downward pull and inhale during the backward reach.

Key technique points

Center the bench on the pulley line.
Keep a small, fixed elbow bend.
Maintain lower-back contact.
Keep the bar away from your head.
Finish without hitting your thighs.
Reach back without forcing shoulder range.

Common mistakes

Pressing through the elbows

Do not turn the pullover into a triceps pushdown.

Leaving the pad

Do not lift your chest from the bench to lower the bar.

Bridging the lower back

Do not enlarge overhead range through back arching.

Cable rubbing the head

Do not set bench distance so the cable path contacts your head.

Hitting the thighs

Do not stop the final position through collision.

Releasing the backward pull

Do not let the cable jerk your arms behind your head.

Frequently asked questions