Back exercise

Rocky Pull-Ups/Pulldowns

LatsOtherIntermediate

The rocky pull-ups/pulldowns is a back exercise that targets the lats with other. Watch the demo, then follow the step-by-step form guide below.

Looping demonstration — tap play to watch the full movement.

How to do the rocky pull-ups/pulldowns

  1. Grab the pull-up bar with the palms facing forward using a wide grip.

  2. As you have both arms extended in front of you holding the bar at the chosen grip width, bring your torso back around 30 degrees or so while creating a curvature on your lower back and sticking your chest out. This is your starting position.

  3. Pull your torso up until the bar touches your upper chest by drawing the shoulders and the upper arms down and back. Exhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. The upper torso should remain stationary as it moves through space and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work other than hold the bar.

  4. After a second on the contracted position, start to inhale and slowly lower your torso back to the starting position when your arms are fully extended and the lats are fully stretched.

  5. Now repeat the same movements as described above except this time your torso will remain straight as you go up and the bar will touch the back of the neck instead of the upper chest. Tip: Use the head to lean forward slightly as it will help you properly execute this portion of the exercise.

  6. Once you have lowered yourself back down to the starting position, repeat the exercise for the prescribed amount of repetitions in your program.

Details

Primary muscles
Lats
Secondary muscles
BicepsMiddle backShoulders
Equipment & classification
OtherLevel: IntermediateForce: PullMechanic: Compound

Browse all back exercises, see our roundup of the best dumbbell back exercises, or return to the exercise library.

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Educational information only — not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

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