Prone Pulldown w/ Dowel

A prone pull down with a dowel is a great way to activate posterior muscles while grooving some scapular movement. This is excellent movement prep for overhead lifting with a barbell or kettlebells. Lying on your stomach with a dowel overhead, make sure to keep the core engaged, avoiding pushing it into the floor. Next, activate the back muscles (lats, mid and lower traps) and concentrate on relaxing the neck and upper traps so they don't try to take over the movement. Since we are focusing on the back muscles, avoid extension in the thoracic spine as well. Lift the dowel off of the ground with a good amount on tension on the dowel and begin to pull down with control. If you have limited mobility, stop at the top of the head, otherwise pull down to the top of the traps if comfortable. Press back overhead while maintaining lat engagement and release.