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Exercise Guide
How to do machine front pulldown
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The machine front pulldown is a controlled isolation exercise designed to target the latissimus dorsi and upper back. The guided motion of the machine helps maintain proper form and allows you to focus purely on the mind-muscle connection without the stability requirements of a pull-up. It is an excellent choice for building back width and strength, suitable for beginners and advanced lifters seeking high-volume hypertrophy.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Front Pulldown
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so the chest pad is comfortably against your upper chest when your arms are fully extended.
- Grip: Grasp the handles with a pronated grip (palms facing away from you).
- Starting Position: Sit upright with your chest out, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the handles down towards your upper chest, leading with your elbows. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together and keeping your back straight.
- Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your latissimus dorsi (lats) and back muscles for a full contraction.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handles to the starting position, extending your arms fully and allowing your shoulder blades to protract (move apart).
Tips:
- Focus on the Lats: Concentrate on using your latissimus dorsi muscles to pull the handles down, rather than relying on your arms.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows pointed down and towards your sides throughout the movement.
- Chest Pad Contact: Maintain contact with the chest pad throughout the exercise for support.
- Smooth Movement: Avoid jerking or swinging the handles. The movement should be smooth and controlled.
Common mistakes: Pulling the bar down with the arms instead of the lats, leaning back excessively to move the weight, and failing to bring the bar low enough to engage the back muscles.
Alternatives
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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
BackBiceps+1
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
BackBiceps
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
BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine
rowing on rowing machine
BackQuads+2