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Exercise guide
Close Grip Lat Pulldown
A lat pulldown variation using a close, parallel-grip handle to emphasize the lower lats and biceps.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- latissimus dorsi · biceps brachii · brachialis · posterior deltoid · rhomboids
- Goals
- hypertrophy · strength
- Equipment
- Cable machine
- Category
- Strength
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Demonstration
Step 1
Step 2
How to perform the movement
- Sit at a lat pulldown machine and secure your thighs under the pad.
- Grip the close-grip handle with palms facing each other.
- Pull the handle down to your upper chest.
- Squeeze your lats at the bottom.
- Return under control and repeat.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Lean back only slightly, not excessively.
- Avoid using momentum to pull the handle down.
- Drive your elbows down and back, not just your hands.