Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown

Using a wide grip on the pulldown bar increases the stretch at the top of the movement and can enhance lat width development. The wider grip limits range of motion at the bottom.

Beginner 💪 Lats Compound Pull
3
Sets
8–12
Reps
90 sec
Rest
Compound
Type
🏋️ Cable🏋️ Machine
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown — start and finish positionsSTARTFINISH
Cable Machine
Lats Beginner Compound
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Muscles Worked

Learn more in the Lats training guide →

Primary
Lats
Secondary
Biceps
Rear Delts
Highlighted muscles

How To Perform

  1. 1 Grip the bar at the angled outer sections, wider than shoulder-width.
  2. 2 Pull down toward the collarbone, driving elbows down and back.
  3. 3 Return to full extension at the top.

Form Cues

  • ✓ Wide grip increases stretch but limits pull depth — a trade-off worth considering.
  • ✓ Lean back slightly for better pulling mechanics.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ Gripping so wide that elbow path becomes compromised.
  • ✗ Pulling behind the neck.
💡 Professor Splits Says:

Progressive overload is the engine of muscle growth. Track your weights and aim to add small increments weekly. For Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown, this means gradually increasing load, volume (sets × reps), or decreasing rest periods over time.

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Where This Exercise Fits

FAQ

How many sets of Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown should I do?▾
3 sets of 8–12 reps is a solid starting point. Adjust based on your training frequency and overall weekly volume for lats. Beginners should start with the lower end; advanced trainees can push toward the upper range.
What muscles does Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown target?▾
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown primarily targets the Lats. Secondary muscles include Biceps, Rear Delts.
Is Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown good for beginners?▾
Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown is beginner-friendly. Focus on technique with lighter loads before adding weight.
How much rest between sets?▾
For Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown, 90 sec of rest between sets is recommended. Compound exercises require more recovery — longer rests (2–3 min) allow better performance on the next set.