Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown: How-to, Tips & More

The Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown is a beginner compound exercise for your lats. You do it with lat pulldown machine. It is a good fit when your goal is both strength and muscle growth.

Besides the lats, it also works your biceps and upper back, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Lats muscle

Lats

Primary

Biceps muscle

Biceps

Secondary

Upper back muscle

Upper back

Secondary

How to do the Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown

  1. Sit at the pulldown and grip handles with your palms facing each other.
  2. Lean back slightly with your chest up.
  3. Pull the handles down to your upper chest.
  4. Let them rise slowly until your arms are straight.

Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown tips

  • A neutral grip is the most shoulder friendly pulldown.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 8 to 15 reps per set, and 8 to 15 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Lat pulldown machine

Type

Compound

Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown alternatives

More lats exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown work?

The Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown mainly works your lats, with help from your biceps and upper back.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 8 to 15 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 8 to 15 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown good for beginners?

Yes. The Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

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

You need lat pulldown machine.

Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown demonstration

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