Machine Reverse Grip Lat Pulldown
Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
lat pulldown machine Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A pulling exercise performed on a machine with a reverse/underhand grip that targets the lats while placing increased emphasis on biceps engagement.
Instructions
- Sit at the lat pulldown machine with your back upright and feet flat on the floor.
- Grasp the bar with an underhand grip (palms facing toward you), hands positioned shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back as you prepare for the movement.
- Pull the bar down toward your upper chest, driving your elbows downward and backward.
- Bring the bar to approximately chest height while squeezing your back muscles.
- Pause briefly at the bottom, feeling the lat and biceps contraction.
- Slowly return the bar to the starting position with full arm extension and control.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- The underhand grip emphasizes biceps activation more than an overhand grip.
- Keep your chest up and lean back slightly to better engage the lats.
- Focus on pulling with your back rather than relying on arm strength.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Control the eccentric (return) phase to maximize muscle tension.
- A narrower grip can help increase biceps involvement in the movement.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 28 kg | 18 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 25 kg | 16 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 19 kg | 12 kg |
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