This method was a favorite of former Mr. Olympia, Larry Scott.
You will obviously need a bar that has the ability to rotate like that. Then you're going to grip on those angled handles so that your hands are tilted down towards your head. This helps to minimize upper arm flexor involvement.
How to Best Isolate The Lats With This Pulldown Variation...
When you perform the pulldown, you want to keep your torso vertical (don't lean back) so that you're minimizing upper back contribution (teres, rhomboids, middle traps, etc.).
As well, instead of focusing on pulling down, you want to imagine as though you're trying pull OUTWARDS on those angled handles and pushing your elbows towards the ground.
We're doing this one for feel and tension rather than for heavy weight so be sure to lighten the load for this.
You'll see in the video, I use a two-part movement where at the top, I allow my shoulder girdle to elevate, then I begin the movement by bringing the shoulder girdle down...then I lock it in place....THEN I perform the pulldown part.
I find this to be more effective for isolating the lats and really forcing them to work.
Do this exercise for sets of 8-12 reps (or more). Don't go for low reps or heavy weight for this.
And even though I'm doing this kneeling with a high pulley, you can use a regular pulldown machine for it. I don't have a pulldown machine, which is why I do pulldowns like this.
---
Are you 40...50...60 or even 70+ years old and want to build muscle and strength like you did 20 years ago?
If you feel like you're fighting a losing battle, you're ready to discover the REAL secret to REVERSING muscle loss due to aging...
*** You need to train the body systems that SUPPORT your muscle mass, not just the muscle itself. ***
These underlying support systems diminish as you age, which is why you lose muscle as you get older no matter how hard you train... but with strategic training, these systems can be regenerated.
Share This Page...
Want More Exercises Like This?
You'll find them here...