Lat Pulldown

The lat pulldown is a compound pull movement that primarily builds the Lats, with help from the biceps, rhomboids, lower traps.

LevelBeginner
TypeCompound / Pull
GearCable Machine
XP Yield+350

How to perform it

  1. Set the thigh pad so your legs are anchored, and grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  2. Sit tall, then lean back very slightly and brace your core.
  3. Pull the bar to your upper chest by driving the elbows down and back.
  4. Control the bar back up to a full stretch without letting the shoulders shrug up.

Common mistakes

  • Leaning back excessively and turning it into a row.
  • Pulling the bar behind the neck, which stresses the shoulders.
  • Using too much bicep instead of leading with the elbows.

Sets & reps

3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.

Variations

  • Neutral-Grip Pulldown
  • Single-Arm Pulldown
  • Wide-Grip Pulldown

Recommended gear

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