What is a lat pull down?

Answer:
Without a doubt, the most popular back exercise in

Americas gyms is the lat pull down. A lat pull down is an exercise that primarily works the large latissimus dorsi muscles of the back.

However, it is just as effective as a biceps exercise.

Like a lot of exercises, there are many variations to a rather simple movement. Nearly all lat pull downs, or lat pulls, are done on a high cable with a bar attached. The trainee will take a fixed, seated position, usually with an attachment on the machine that holds you down by the top of the thighs. The height of the seat is usually adjustable, so that your arms can be fully extended while reaching over head.

From this point we focus on grip. This is where the variations come into play. You can take an underhand grip, or an overhand grip. You can also take a narrow, or close grip, and you can use a wide grip, or something in between. I find the most effective form, as far as achieving a good contraction and a full range of motion, to be a narrow underhand grip.

Now, you basically do a pull up motion by pulling the bar down until it is under your chin. Be sure to pause at the bottom and let the cable up slowly. This exercise, combined with dead lifts and rows, makes for a great back exercise.


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