

3–4 sets × 10–12 reps (60–75% 1RM, RPE 6–8)
4–5 sets × 8–10 reps (65–80% 1RM, RPE 6–8)
2–3 sets × 12–15 reps (50–70% 1RM, RPE 6–7)
Pull to upper chest
Shoulder blades down and back
Squeeze lats at bottom
Control the return
Chest stays up
Slight lean back is okay
Pulling behind neck
Using momentum or swinging


3–4 sets × 10–12 reps (60–75% 1RM, RPE 6–8)
4–5 sets × 8–10 reps (65–80% 1RM, RPE 6–8)
2–3 sets × 12–15 reps (50–70% 1RM, RPE 6–7)
Pull to upper chest
Shoulder blades down and back
Squeeze lats at bottom
Control the return
Chest stays up
Slight lean back is okay
Pulling behind neck
Using momentum or swinging
Not achieving full range
Leaning back excessively
Not engaging lats
Going too fast
Not achieving full range
Leaning back excessively
Not engaging lats
Going too fast
The machine wide grip lat pulldown is a compound exercise that targets the lats with a wide grip. This grip variation emphasizes lat width, making it excellent for building the coveted V-taper back.
Behind-the-neck lat pulldowns can emphasize the upper back and lats, but they demand good shoulder mobility and can irritate some shoulders. Use light-to-moderate loads and a conservative range of motion, or choose a front pulldown instead.
The machine wide grip lat pulldown is a compound exercise that targets the lats with a wide grip. This grip variation emphasizes lat width, making it excellent for building the coveted V-taper back.
Behind-the-neck lat pulldowns can emphasize the upper back and lats, but they demand good shoulder mobility and can irritate some shoulders. Use light-to-moderate loads and a conservative range of motion, or choose a front pulldown instead.