Atlas
Close-Grip Lat Pulldown: starting position Close-Grip Lat Pulldown: end position

Vertical Pull · Lats

Close-Grip Lat Pulldown

A vertical pull exercise that works the lats. Beginner level, using cable.

BeginnerCableGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryLats
SecondaryBiceps, Traps & mid back, Shoulders

Lats and biceps.

Setup and loading

Overhand grip at shoulder width.

How to do the close-grip lat pulldown step by step

  1. Sit with your thighs under the pads and take a narrow grip on the bar.
  2. Pull to your chest, leaning back slightly.
  3. Let it up slowly.

Form cues

  • Drive your elbows down
  • Chest up

Common mistakes

  • Swinging
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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