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Last updated March 2, 2026
LatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius
Lat Pulldown (Cable)
Take a wide overhand grip. Pull the bar down to your upper chest, focusing on driving your elbows down towards the floor. Lean back slightly, but don't swing.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Lats
Secondary
Biceps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Cable
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the lat pulldown machine to fit your height, ensuring the bar is at or above your head.
- Sit down on the bench with your feet flat on the floor and your knees secured under the pad.
- Step 2Grab the Bar
- Reach up and grab the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Ensure your grip is firm but not overly tight, allowing for a smooth pull.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your back against the pad and engage your core.
- Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears to avoid tension.
- Step 4Pull the Bar Down
- Pull the bar down towards your upper chest by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Focus on using your back muscles rather than your arms to perform the movement.
- Step 5Control the Release
- Slowly allow the bar to rise back to the starting position with your arms fully extended.
- Maintain control throughout the movement to avoid using momentum.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pull and release for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring proper form with each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the bar and stand up from the machine.
- Ensure you do not rush and maintain your balance as you exit the machine.
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