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Exercise Guide
How to do lat pulldown reverse close grip
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The lat pulldown with a reverse close grip is a variation that uses an underhand grip with hands positioned closer together. This shift increases the involvement of the biceps and the lower fibers of the latissimus dorsi. It allows for a greater stretch at the top and a more intense contraction at the bottom, making it an excellent exercise for building back thickness.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Lat Pulldown
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine: Sit at a lat pulldown machine with the pulley on the highest setting and adjust the knee pad to fit your height securely.
- Attachment: Attach a short straight bar or EZ curl bar to the high pulley.
- Grip: Grasp the bar with a close underhand grip (palms facing you), hands about shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
- Body Position: Sit tall, chest out, and lean back slightly, maintaining a natural arch in your lower back.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the bar down towards your sternum (breastbone), leading with your elbows. Keep your elbows close to your body and your back straight.
- Chest Contact (Optional): Aim to lightly touch the bar to your sternum, if comfortable.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the bar to the starting position, extending your arms fully overhead.
Tips:
- Focus on the Lats and Biceps: The reverse close grip emphasizes both your latissimus dorsi (lats) and biceps muscles.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement.
- Neutral Spine: Maintain a natural arch in your lower back and avoid rounding your shoulders.
- Control the Movement: Avoid swinging your torso or using momentum.
Common mistakes: Leaning back too far and not pulling the bar low enough toward the chest.
Alternatives
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Row Cable
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Pull Up Bar
chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown behind the neck
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Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
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Pull Up Bar
chin ups narrow parallel grip
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Pull Up Bar
pull up
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Lat Pulldown
cable one arm lat pulldown
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Pull Up Bar
close grip chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown
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Row Cable
cable seated row
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Barbell
barbell bent over row
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Cable
cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)
BackRear Shoulder
Cable
cable straight arm pulldown(bar)
BackRear Shoulder
Barbell
barbell underhand bent over row
BackBiceps
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cable seated high row(v-bar)
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Bench
dumbbell chest supported row
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Front Pulldown
machine front pulldown
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Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm row(with support)
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Barbell
barbell chest supported row
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Barbell
t-bar row(v-grip)
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Landmine
t-bar row
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Lat Pulldown
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
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Low Row Machine
machine low row
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Barbell
barbell reverse grip supported row
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Pulldown Machine
machine lateral pulldown
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown reverse close grip
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High Row Machine
machine high row
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Row Cable
cable low seated row
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Seated Row Machine
machine seated row
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Cable
cable pulldown(v-bar)
BackRear Shoulder
None
sliding floor pulldown on towel
BackBiceps
None
superman row with towel
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Row Cable
cable seated row(rope)
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Rings
ring high suspended row
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Squat Rack
inverted row bend knees
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Kettlebell
kettlebell bent over row
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Rings
ring suspended row
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Dumbbell
dumbbell pull over
BackChest+2
Resistance Band
band seated row
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Rowing Machine
rowing on rowing machine
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