Lats Pull Down
Exercise Profile
Main muscle group: Lats
Secondary muscle: Biceps, Middle back, Shoulder
Exercise type: Strength
Equipment required: Cable
Mechanics: Compound
orce type: Pull
Exercise Instructions
1. Set up for the lat pull down by attaching a wide grip bar to the machine, selecting the weight you want to use, and adjusting the thigh pad.
2. While standing, grasp the with an overhand grip at wider than shoulder width apart.
3. Holding the bar, sit down on the machine. This should take the weight off the stack.
4. Keeping your back straight, eyes facing forward, and without leaning back, slowly pull the bar down to your upper chest. Do not let the bar touch your chest.
5. Pause, and slowly lower the weight back to the staring position. Do not let the weight touch the stack.
6. Repeat for desired reps.
Exercise Tips:
1. A huge problem with the lat pull down is that some lifter can not isolate the lats and end up using their biceps to do a lot of the work. To isolate the lats, use a wide grip and when you’re pulling inward as they down in a semi-circle motion.
2. It’s also common for some lifter to lean back and swing the weight down. This is cheating and will not get the maximum results from the lat pull down. Keep sitting upright throughout the movement.
3. Finally, if you find your forearms are burning out before you finish the set, grip with bar with a “hook” grip. This mean you do not place your thumb around the bottom of the bar. A hook grip takes some of strain off your forearms when performing pulling exercise. Never try to pull the bar down using you forearms. The forearms will simply be used to hold the bar.