Lat Pulldown Form

[gymmy]

I've always done lat pulldowns sitting straight up and pulling the bar down to my upper chest without swaying. I see so many people sit down, throw on a ton of weight and swing back like their paddling a canoe in a boat race. Does this type of form work your lats much or can i help the innocent bystandards that learn from these bodybuilders and their advanced training techniques?

 

[bigslick]

i sway a little bit, but not to compromise for too much. if you have to jack your back way out, it's too heavy.

 

[CyniQ]

i sway a little bit, but not to compromise for too much. if you have to jack your back way out, it's too heavy.

Agreed. I go all out on weighted chins (end justifies the means) and cheat a little on bent rows, and cheat alot if I do seated rows. I am strict as hell on pulldowns. Almost anytime you're on a machine you should be strict and focused IMO.

 

[joeycrabcakes]

i agree with keeping your back as still as possible, but what about leaning your back? I see a lot of guys, and have gotten into the habit as well, who lean back and pull the bar to their chin or upper chest. While others sit up like they are sitting in a chair and pull to their chin. One way better than other?

 

[CyniQ]

I try to sit up as straight as possible and pull to my upper chest. Even though it's a compound movement utilizing multiple joints, I view pulldowns as an isolation exercise. If you're leaning back (IMO I'm no expert) you might as well be rowing or chinning were you can pull more weight.

 

[kenneth]

i agree with keeping your back as still as possible, but what about leaning your back? I see a lot of guys, and have gotten into the habit as well, who lean back and pull the bar to their chin or upper chest. While others sit up like they are sitting in a chair and pull to their chin. One way better than other?

I angle myself so that pulling straight down is pulling down directly to the top of my chest. (as oppose to those who sit straight up, and pull the weight down to their chin or even further, but not touching anything because of the angle).