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Resistance Band Kneeling Cross-Body Lat Pulldown

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Resistance Band Kneeling Cross-Body Lat Pulldown.

MediumMiddle back

About this exercise

The resistance band kneeling cross-body lat pulldown is a unilateral back exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi by pulling the band diagonally across the body. Kneeling eliminates lower body assistance and forces the core to stabilize, while the cross-body angle provides a strong lat contraction.

How to Perform

  • Anchor a resistance band at a high point overhead and kneel facing the anchor
  • Grasp the band with one hand (the hand opposite the anchor side for a cross-body angle), arm extended toward the anchor
  • Keep your torso upright and core engaged
  • Pull the band down and across your body toward your opposite hip, driving your elbow down and inward
  • Squeeze your lat at the bottom of the movement
  • Slowly return your arm back to the extended starting position
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching to the other

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle back
Secondary
BicepsCore

About the Resistance Band Kneeling Cross-Body Lat Pulldown

The Resistance Band Kneeling Cross-Body Lat Pulldown is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.