1 / 6Close-Grip Lat Pulldown
A lat pulldown with a close-grip handle, often a V-bar. The close grip lets you pull through a longer range and works the lats and mid-back hard.
BackBiceps
- Level
- Beginner
- Equipment
- Cable
- Main muscle
- Back
- Also works
- Biceps
- Beginner sets
- 3 × 8–12
- Rest
- 90 seconds
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See the app · coming soonHow to do it
- 1Attach a close-grip handle and sit at the machine.
- 2Hold the handle with palms facing each other, arms straight.
- 3Pull the handle down to your chest, keeping your elbows close.
- 4Let it rise slowly.
Common mistakes
- Leaning back so far it becomes a row
- Rounding the shoulders forward at the top
- Letting the weight yank the arms up
Tips
- Sit tall and pull the handle to your upper chest
- Keep the chest up and squeeze the shoulder blades down
- Let the arms straighten fully overhead for a stretch
Questions
What does a close-grip pulldown work?
The lats, the middle of the back and the biceps.
Neutral grip or underhand?
A neutral V-bar is comfortable for most shoulders; an underhand grip uses the biceps more.
More Back exercises
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