Band straight-arm pulldown

The band straight-arm pulldown targets your back and shoulders. This exercise helps improve upper body strength and stability.

  1. Attach a resistance band to a high anchor point.
  2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the band with both hands, arms extended straight above.
  3. Pull the band down towards your thighs while keeping your arms straight.
  4. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.

How to perform the Band straight-arm pulldown

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Band straight-arm pulldown using your band.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your rotator cuff.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your rotator cuff rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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Variations of Band straight-arm pulldown

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