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Last updated March 2, 2026
LatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius
Lat Pulldown (Cable: Bar)
Use a standard overhand grip. Pull the bar down smoothly to your collarbone. Keep your chest lifted to ensure your back muscles do the work.
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
- Sit down at the lat pulldown machine and adjust the knee pad so that it rests snugly on your thighs.
- Select an appropriate weight on the machine.
- Step 2Grab the Bar
- Stand up and grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Sit back down while holding the bar to ensure proper positioning.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit with your back straight and your chest up, engaging your core.
- Ensure your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are secured under the pad.
- Step 4Pull the Bar Down
- Pull the bar down towards your upper chest by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Keep your elbows pointed down and back, avoiding any swinging motion.
- Step 5Control the Bar Up
- Slowly allow the bar to rise back to the starting position with your arms fully extended.
- Maintain control throughout the movement, avoiding any jerking or rapid motions.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pull and control movements for the desired number of reps, ensuring proper form each time.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the bar and stand up.
- Make sure to adjust the machine and weights back to their original state if necessary.
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