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Last updated March 2, 2026
LatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius
Lat Pulldown - Underhand (Cable)
Grip bar palms up, shoulder width. Pull to chest. Keep elbows tucked in.
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 at the lat pulldown machine and adjust the knee pad to fit snugly against your thighs.
- Select an appropriate weight on the machine.
- Step 2Grab the Bar
- Reach up and grasp the bar with an underhand grip (palms facing you) slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Ensure your grip is firm and secure.
- 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, away from your ears.
- 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.
- Step 5Pause and Control
- Pause briefly when the bar reaches your chest, maintaining tension in your back muscles.
- Avoid leaning back excessively; keep your torso upright.
- Step 6Return the Bar
- Slowly extend your arms to return the bar to the starting position, controlling the movement.
- Do not let the weight stack touch down completely to maintain tension.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the pull and return for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring good form throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the bar and stand up.
- Make sure to adjust the machine back to its original settings if needed.
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