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Last updated March 2, 2026
LatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius
Lat Pulldown (Machine: Plate Loaded)
Load the machine with plates. Pull the handles down independently. This helps identify and fix strength imbalances between your left and right side.
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
Leverage Machine
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 seat height of the lat pulldown machine so that the bar is at or just above your chin when seated.
- Sit down on the machine and secure your knees under the padded support.
- Step 2Grab the Bar
- Reach up and grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Ensure your grip is firm and your wrists are straight.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your chest lifted and shoulders back, engaging your core.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor and maintain a neutral spine.
- Step 4Pull the Bar Down
- Begin the movement by pulling the bar down towards your chest, leading with your elbows.
- Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you pull.
- 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
- Continue to perform the pull and release for the desired number of repetitions.
- Ensure that your form remains consistent with each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully release the bar and stand up from the machine.
- Make sure to adjust the machine back to its original position if necessary.
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