Exercise guide

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

The Close Grip Lat Pulldown targets the lats and mid back by pulling the bar downward with a narrow hand position.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Intermediate
Movement
Compound
Bodyweight
No
How to

How to do the Close Grip Lat Pulldown

  1. 01

    Sit at a lat pulldown machine and secure your thighs under the pad.

  2. 02

    Grip the bar with a close grip.

  3. 03

    Sit upright with your chest lifted.

  4. 04

    Pull the bar down toward your upper chest.

  5. 05

    Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the bottom.

  6. 06

    Slowly return the bar to the starting position under control.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Pull your elbows down rather than back
  • Avoid leaning excessively during the pull
  • Control the upward return to maintain tension
Muscles

Muscles worked

Equipment

What you need

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the Close Grip Lat Pulldown work?

The Close Grip Lat Pulldown primarily targets the Back. Supporting muscles include Biceps.

Is the Close Grip Lat Pulldown a compound or isolation exercise?

The Close Grip Lat Pulldown is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups and joints in a single movement.

What equipment do I need for the Close Grip Lat Pulldown?

You need the following equipment: Cable Machine.

What difficulty level is the Close Grip Lat Pulldown?

The Close Grip Lat Pulldown is rated as intermediate difficulty. Some training experience is helpful for performing this exercise safely.

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