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Resistance Band Pullover

Beginner
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A resistance band exercise involving an overhead arc motion that targets the lats and chest to build upper body strength and shoulder mobility; commonly performed lying or standing for versatility.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats

Secondary Muscles

Triceps, Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Mobility

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

Chest

7/10

Mid Chest

Triceps

5/10

Long Head

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts, Rear Delts

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor the resistance band low to a sturdy point like a door base. Lie on your back with head toward anchor, knees bent, feet flat. Grasp band ends with neutral grip, arms extended overhead with tension.

  1. Extend arms straight overhead with slight elbow bend.
  2. Lower arms in an arc behind head until parallel to floor or full stretch.
  3. Engage core to avoid arching back.
  4. Pause briefly at stretch.
  5. Pull arms forward in arc to overhead position, squeezing lats and chest.
  6. Repeat for reps with control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep elbows slightly bent
  • Engage core throughout
  • Squeeze lats at top
  • Control the arc
  • Avoid back arch

Breathing

Inhale as you lower arms overhead; exhale as you pull back to start while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

From arms extended overhead to parallel with floor behind head, maintaining slight elbow bend and shoulder mobility limits.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect band for damage before use
  • Secure anchor firmly
  • Avoid overstretching band beyond 2.5 times length
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Stop if shoulder pain occurs

Spotting

No spotter needed; use stable anchor and controlled reps to ensure safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Excessive lower back arch
  • Locking elbows
  • Jerking the band
  • Uneven tension in hands
  • Releasing band suddenly

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent back injury
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Basic upper body pulling form
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Band Pullover, Banded Lat Pullover, Resistance Band Lat Pullover

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