V-Bar Pulldown

Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
cable
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
V-Bar PulldownV-Bar Pulldown

Pulldowns using close grip v-bar.

Instructions

  1. Sit down on a pull-down machine with a V-Bar attached to the top pulley.
  2. Adjust the knee pad of the machine to fit your height. These pads will prevent your body from being raised by the resistance attached to the bar.
  3. Grab the V-bar with the palms facing each other (a neutral grip). Stick your chest out and lean yourself back slightly (around 30-degrees) in order to better engage the lats. This will be your starting position.
  4. Using your lats, pull the bar down as you squeeze your shoulder blades. Continue until your chest nearly touches the V-bar. Exhale as you execute this motion. Tip: Keep the torso stationary throughout the movement.
  5. After a second hold on the contracted position, slowly bring the bar back to the starting position as you breathe in.
  6. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • The neutral grip reduces shoulder strain compared to wide-grip pulldowns.
  • Initiate the pull by driving your elbows downward, not your hands.
  • Keep your chest up and maintain the slight backward lean throughout.
  • Avoid excessive momentum or jerking at the beginning of each rep.
  • Maintain constant tension on the lats; do not fully lock out at the top.

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 27.5 kg 17.5 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 25 kg 17.5 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 20 kg 12.5 kg

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