Exercise Comparison
Cable Incline Pushdown vs London Bridges
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in London Bridges
Instructions
Cable Incline Pushdown
Lie on incline an bench facing away from a high pulley machine that has a straight bar attachment on it.
Grasp the straight bar attachment overhead with a pronated (overhand; palms down) shoulder width grip and extend your arms in front of you. The bar should be around 2 inches away from your upper thighs. This will be your starting position.
Keeping the upper arms stationary, lift your arms back in a semi circle until the bar is straight over your head. Breathe in during this portion of the movement.
Slowly go back to the starting position using your lats and hold the contraction once you reach the starting position. Breathe out during the execution of this movement.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
London Bridges
Attach a climbing rope to a high beam or cross member. Below it, ensure that the smith machine bar is locked in place with the safeties and cannot move. Alternatively, a secure box could also be utilized.
Stand on the bar, using the rope to balance yourself. This will be your starting position.
Keeping your body straight, lean back and lower your body by slowly going hand over hand with the rope. Continue until you are perpendicular to the ground.
Keeping your body straight, reverse the motion, going hand over hand back to the starting position.
Verdict
Both exercises target the lats. Cable Incline Pushdown is a beginner exercise using cable, while London Bridges is intermediate and uses other. Choose Cable Incline Pushdown if you're looking for a more accessible option, or London Bridges for a greater challenge. London Bridges is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Cable Incline Pushdown isolates the target muscle for focused development.