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Last updated February 2, 2026
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latslower backteres majortrapezius
Lat Pulldown - One Arm, Wide (Machine: Plate Loaded)
Use the plate-loaded machine one side at a time. Focus on pulling the elbow down to the hip.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- 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
upper lats / teres
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
leverage machine
Movement pattern
Unilateral
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 about shoulder level when you sit down.
- Sit on the machine with your feet flat on the ground and your knees secured under the pads.
- Step 2Grab the Handle
- Reach up with one hand to grab the wide handle with an overhand grip.
- Ensure your grip is comfortable and your arm is fully extended.
- 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, and maintain a neutral spine.
- Step 4Pull the Handle
- Pull the handle down towards your chest by bending your elbow and driving your elbow down and back.
- Focus on squeezing your back muscles as you pull the handle down.
- Step 5Control the Release
- Slowly extend your arm back to the starting position, allowing the handle to rise back up.
- Maintain control throughout the movement and avoid letting the weight slam back down.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring you maintain proper form throughout each rep.
- Switch arms after completing your set on one side.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the handle and sit upright.
- Ensure you safely exit the machine and adjust any settings back to their original position if necessary.