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Exercise Guide

How to do lat pulldown(wide bar)

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The wide-bar lat pulldown is a staple back exercise that primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, helping to create a wider, V-tapered physique. By using a wide grip, the movement emphasizes the outer portions of the back and engages the rhomboids and traps. It is an excellent alternative to pull-ups for building vertical pulling strength and improving posture by strengthening the back.

Stats

TIER
1
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 wide bar to the high pulley.
  3. Grip: Grasp the bar with a wide overhand grip, hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Body Position: Sit tall, chest up, 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 upper chest. Keep your elbows pointing down and focus on driving them down towards the floor.
  2. Chest Contact (Optional): Aim to lightly touch the bar to your upper chest, 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: Concentrate on using your latissimus dorsi (the large muscles on your back) to pull the bar down.
  • Elbow Position: Aim to keep your elbows pointing down and out to the sides 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. The movement should be smooth and controlled.

Common mistakes: Pulling the bar behind the neck, leaning back excessively, and using momentum rather than the lats.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

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Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

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Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

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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

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Lat Pulldown

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

BackRear Shoulder+1
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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