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Resistance Band Alternating Lat Pull Down

Intermediate
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A unilateral vertical pulling exercise using resistance bands that targets the lats and upper back to build muscle and symmetry; commonly used for hypertrophy and home workouts.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats

Secondary Muscles

Biceps, Shoulders

Popularity Score

6

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

9/10

Teres Major

Traps

6/10

Lower Traps

Biceps

5/10

Long Head

Shoulders

4/10

Rear Delts

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. Stand facing the anchor with feet shoulder-width apart, holding one end of the band in each hand with arms fully extended overhead.

  1. Initiate the pull with one arm by driving the elbow down and back toward your hip.
  2. Squeeze the lat at the bottom while keeping the other arm extended overhead.
  3. Return the working arm to the starting position under control.
  4. Repeat the movement with the opposite arm, alternating sides for the prescribed reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive elbow down
  • Keep chest up
  • Control the return
  • Squeeze the lat

Breathing

Exhale as you pull the band down; inhale as you return to the starting position.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Pull from full overhead extension until the hand reaches chest or shoulder level.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Check band for tears before use

Spotting

Not recommended; self-spotted exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Yanking with momentum
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Leaning back excessively
  • Slack in band at top

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent rotator cuff injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Basic pulling form knowledge
  • Experience with bilateral pulldowns

Also known as

Alternating Band Pulldown, Band Lat Pulldown, Standing Alternating Pulldown, Alternating Resistance Band Pull

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