Back to Library

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Attachment: Attach a short straight bar or EZ curl bar to the high pulley.
  3. Grip: Grasp the bar with a close underhand grip (palms facing you), hands about shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
  4. Body Position: Sit tall, chest out, and lean back slightly, maintaining a natural arch in your lower back.

The Lift:

  1. 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.
  2. Chest Contact (Optional): Aim to lightly touch the bar to your sternum, if comfortable.
  3. 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

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

pull up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

BackRear Shoulder
Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

BackRear Shoulder
Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

BackBiceps+1
Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

BackBiceps+1
Landmine

t-bar row

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine

machine low row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine

machine high row

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable low seated row

BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

BackRear Shoulder
None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

BackBiceps
None

superman row with towel

BackBiceps
Row Cable

cable seated row(rope)

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring high suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

BackChest+2
Resistance Band

band seated row

BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

BackQuads+2