Strength · Recomp guide

Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown

The close-grip front lat pulldown is a beginner strength exercise for your lats, using cable.

Main muscles
Lats
Also works
Biceps, Middle back, Shoulders
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown, starting position
Start
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown, end position
Finish

Setup

Sit at a pulldown machine with your thighs under the pad. Grip the bar with hands a little narrower than your shoulders.

How to do it

  1. Lean back slightly and lift your chest.
  2. Pull the bar to your upper chest.
  3. Drive your elbows down and back.
  4. Let it rise to a full stretch.

Coaching cues

  • Chest up to meet the bar.
  • Elbows down to your pockets.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging back to move the weight.
  • Stopping short of the stretch at the top.

Alternatives to the close-grip front lat pulldown

Straight-Arm Pulldown Cable Chin-Up Body weight Cable Incline Pushdown Cable Kneeling High Pulley Row Cable Kneeling Single-Arm High Pulley Row Cable Rope Straight-Arm Pulldown Cable