What is Underhand Pulldown? A Complete Guide

what is underhand pulldown
Writen by

MyFitnessCoach

Published On

January 31, 2025

When it comes to building a strong, muscular back, the underhand pulldown is one of the most effective exercises you can add to your workout routine. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, this exercise is a great way to target your latissimus dorsi (lats), biceps, and other upper body muscles. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the underhand pulldown, how to do it correctly, and how it can benefit your fitness journey. Plus, we’ll show you how the MyFitnessCoach app can help you incorporate this exercise into your custom workout plan.


How to Perform the Underhand Pulldown Correctly

To get the most out of this exercise and avoid injury, it’s important to use proper form. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Set Up the Machine: Adjust the knee pad on the cable machine so that it fits snugly against your thighs. This will help stabilize your body during the exercise.
  2. Grip the Bar: Grab the pulldown bar with an underhand grip (palms facing toward you). Your hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Starting Position: Sit down on the machine with your chest up and shoulders back. Lean back slightly (about 30 degrees) to engage your lats.
  4. Pull the Bar Down: Exhale as you pull the bar down toward your upper chest. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you move the bar.
  5. Control the Movement: Inhale as you slowly return the bar to the starting position. Keep your movements controlled to maintain tension in your muscles.
  6. Repeat: Aim for 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions, depending on your fitness level and goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using Too Much Weight: Lifting more than you can handle can compromise your form and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Start with a lighter weight and focus on proper technique.
  2. Leaning Too Far Back: While a slight lean is okay, leaning too far back turns the exercise into a row, reducing the focus on your lats.
  3. Pulling with Your Arms Only: Remember, this is a back exercise. Focus on engaging your lats and shoulder blades rather than relying solely on your biceps.
  4. Not Fully Extending Your Arms: Make sure to fully extend your arms at the top of the movement to get the full range of motion.

How to Incorporate Underhand Pulldown into Your Workout Routine

The underhand pulldown is a versatile exercise that can be included in various workout splits. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Back Day: Pair it with other back exercises like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups for a comprehensive back workout.
  2. Upper Body Day: Combine it with chest, shoulder, and arm exercises for a full upper body session.
  3. Pull Day: If you follow a push-pull-legs split, include the underhand pulldown on your pull day along with other pulling movements.

How MyFitnessCoach Can Help You Master the Underhand Pulldown

If you’re looking to incorporate the underhand pulldown into your fitness routine, MyFitnessCoach is here to help. This all-in-one fitness app offers custom workout plans tailored to your goals, whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or improve overall fitness.

Features of MyFitnessCoach:

  1. Custom Workout Plans: The app creates personalized workout routines that include exercises like the underhand pulldown, ensuring you’re targeting all the right muscle groups.
  2. Fitness Tracking: Track your progress over time, including your strength gains and improvements in form.
  3. Food and Workout Logging: Keep a record of your meals and workouts to stay on top of your fitness goals.
  4. Video Demonstrations: Not sure how to perform an exercise? MyFitnessCoach provides video tutorials to guide you through each movement.
  5. Diet Plans: Pair your workouts with customized meal plans to fuel your body and maximize results.

With MyFitnessCoach, you’ll have everything you need to stay consistent, motivated, and on track to achieve your fitness goals.


Why Choose MyFitnessCoach?

In today’s busy world, staying consistent with your fitness routine can be challenging. That’s where MyFitnessCoach comes in. The app takes the guesswork out of working out and eating right, providing you with a clear plan to follow. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, MyFitnessCoach adapts to your needs and helps you stay accountable.


Final Thoughts

The underhand pulldown is a powerful exercise for building a stronger, more defined back and arms. By incorporating it into your workout routine and using proper form, you can unlock its full potential. And with the help of MyFitnessCoach, you can take your fitness journey to the next level. From custom workout plans to progress tracking, this app has everything you need to succeed.

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Ready to transform your fitness routine? Download MyFitnessCoach today and start working toward your goals with confidence!

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