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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Lat Pulldown - Reverse Grip

Hold the bar with an underhand grip (palms facing you). Pull down to your chest. This variation recruits the biceps heavily alongside the lats.

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

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.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Sit down at the lat pulldown machine and adjust the knee pad so that it fits snugly against your thighs.
    • Select an appropriate weight on the machine.
  2. Step 2Grab the Bar
    • Reach up and grab the bar with a reverse grip (palms facing you), positioning your hands shoulder-width apart.
    • Ensure your grip is firm and secure.
  3. Step 3Position Your Body
    • Sit up straight with your back against the pad and your feet flat on the floor.
    • Engage your core and keep your shoulders relaxed.
  4. Step 4Pull the Bar Down
    • Pull the bar down towards your chest by bending your elbows and driving them down and back.
    • Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you pull.
  5. Step 5Control the Bar
    • Slowly allow the bar to return to the starting position with your arms fully extended.
    • Maintain control throughout the movement, avoiding any jerking motions.
  6. Step 6Repeat
    • Repeat the pull and control for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring proper form each time.
  7. Step 7Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, gently release the bar and stand up.
    • Make sure to adjust the machine back to its original settings if necessary.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025