Lat Pulldown Machine
Technique guide
Set-up
- Set the knee pad so your thighs are held firmly.
- Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width.
How to do it
- Pull the bar down to your upper chest, leading with your elbows.
- Squeeze your back at the bottom.
- Let the bar rise slowly until your arms are straight.
Coaching cues
- Lean back only slightly and keep your chest up.
- Think of pulling your elbows down towards your back pockets.
Common mistakes
- Pulling the bar behind your neck.
- Leaning far back and using body weight to move the bar.
Reviewed by Anthony Markson on 2026-11-01
This is general fitness information, not medical advice. If you have pain or an injury, see a doctor or physiotherapist before training.
Alternatives
Easier and harder versions of this movement, and the same movement with other equipment.
Same movement
- Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Chin-UpPull-Up Bar
- Resistance Band PulldownBand
- Single-Arm Lat PulldownCable
- Weighted Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Neutral-Grip Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Negative Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Jumping Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Band-Assisted Pull-UpBand
- Kipping Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Butterfly Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Chest-to-Bar Pull-UpPull-Up Bar
- Assisted Pull-Up MachineMachine
- Close-Grip Lat PulldownMachine
Build your free muscle program
Pick your level and get a full week of training, ready to log. Free, no sign-up.
