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f you’ve found yourself to be a fan of working out in a gym environment with loads of exercise variety and multiple-use station options, but for some reason, you can’t find the time to integrate an extra route in your daily commute anymore, you could consider turning one room (or your garage) into a home gym. Or even better, if you already have one, just upgrade it by adding a lat machine to your already existing equipment.
Is It Worth Investing in a Lat Machine for Home Use?
Most strength trainees who look into a lat machine have one purpose: to grow that latissimus dorsi as much as possible and cross one more task on their bodybuilding list. And they are right to pick this apparatus, as it does target these muscles, along with other muscle groups, but they will gain a lot of other advantages by using it. According to the article published by specialist Peter Ronai in the Strength and Conditioning Journal, by developing the lats, athletes gain more strength and stability in the shoulder girdle, which allow them to perform better in sports activities that imply pulling, like gymnastics, rowing, rope or rock climbing, swimming, and others.
Moreover, these stations, compared to the regular gym pieces you usually find, have a few extra advantages that make them a really nice pick for the home gym:
Multiple muscle area coverage: when using a pulldown station, you are building up a larger number of areas, including back, arm, chest, and shoulder muscles.
Double pulleys: you have a high and a low one, both broadening your exercise options (pulldowns, curls, rows, etc.).
Customizable weight: you can add or remove plates to change the intensity of your resistance.
Price range: although you have many features available with this type of unit, that doesn’t mean you need to smash your piggy bank into pieces because the price range allows even those with a tight budget to get a new gym aid.
If you need even more exercise variety, see our best rated home gyms for a detailed comparison.
[Non-commercial, Normal use] Limited Lifetime – Frame (excluding finish); 5 Years – Moving frame (excluding finish); 2 Years – Component parts (bearings, spring pins and hardwares)
Accessories: 210lbs. Plate stack, Instructional placard, Extra-long Pull down bar (multiple grip choice), Low row bar
Warranty: [Commercial use] Lifetime – Frame, Welds; 3 Years – Pulleys, Bushings, Bearings, Hardware, Guide Rods, Plates; 1 Year – Cables, Grips [Non-commercial, Normal use] Lifetime – Everything
Our first unit on the list is the sturdy and gorgeous SLM-300G/2. Its uniquely shaped structure gives a stylish and professional look, worthy of a magazine cover. It has a little over the average when it comes to the footprint, which does great in gyms, but it can still fit a personal gym room in your home. And since there are a few aspects worth looking at with this model, we’ll take an in-depth approach.
Build
The structure is made of 1.96 x 3.93-inch heavy gauge steel with great tensile strength, with all sides securely welded together. Given the normal use of this kind of unit, the surface of the steel has been coated in powder twice to ensure that there will be no accidental scraping, peeling, or paint damage. All this, and other details, bring the complete weight of the SLM-300G/2 to a whopping 444 pounds, which is extremely heavy compared with other versions produced by Body-Solid like the 189 lbs. Body-Solid LVLA Leverage or the 69 lb. Body-Solid Powerline PLM180X, but with the upside of also being extremely stable. Just measure and decide on a good spot to place it in when first putting it together, and you’ll have a guaranteed no-wobble experience.
Engineering
When it comes to the actual movement of the components while you’re exercising, this machine is top-performing. The 4 parts that make for a smooth operation are:
Nylon Pulleys: made of reinforced fiberglass, these sport v-grooves and a blocking mechanism that prevent slipping during use.
The pulley on top offers a height that is optimal for isolation during pulldown exercises, and the package-added pull bar (with middle protection) is wide enough to offer 3 grip options.
Nylon-coated Cables: these are high-grade material cables that can also lubricate themselves.
The No-Cable-Change Technology makes changing between your exercises easier than ever.
Nylon Bushings: these are oversized and ensure a smooth transition for the cables.
Rods: guide and selector, both are plated with chrome and made out of solid steel to enable a flowing movement.
Comfort
When we’re talking about adjustability, the seat has height options, is quite spacious, and is made of damage-resistant DuraFirm materials, which are double-stitched for extra resilience. The leg rollers have a nice diameter of 6 inches of excellent foam.
Accessories
And lastly, the package comes with a 210-pound stack of cast iron plates, top and bottom bars, and an exercise+muscle targeting placard on the frame. The Body-Solid LVLA Leverage has a larger weight capacity of 400 lbs. but it doesn’t have the stack system. Instead, you will need to load it with free-weight plates, which can be more inconvenient. To learn more about the differences between the three Body-Solid options we have mentioned in this review, take a look at the following comparison table.
Body-Solid Pro Clubline SLM-300G/2 vs. Body-Solid LVLA Leverage vs. Body-Solid Pro GLM83
Specification
Body-Solid Pro Clubline SLM-300G/2
Body-Solid LVLA Leverage
Body-Solid Powerline PLM180X
Resistance
210 lbs.
400 lbs.
300 lbs.
Adjustability
Adjustable hold-down pads; No-cable-change design
Adjustable Leg Pads, Gas-Assisted Seat
Adjustable Foam rollers
Plate Compatibility
N/A
2″ Olympic plates
1″ Standard plates
Frame Material
1.96 x 3.93-inch heavy gauge steel
11-gauge steel, with 2-inch by 3-inch steel
Heavy-gauge steel
Dimensions
64″ × 46″ × 83″
76″ × 49″ × 84″
60″ × 32″ × 82″
Performance Results – What Do Experts Say?
Most gym equipment that is designed for home use suffers a downgrade in quality that is correlated to the lower price. Not the case with the Body-Solid Pro Clubline SLM-300G/2, which is a truly commercial-grade machine that will let you exercise those lat muscles like a pro. The frame is so solid that it doesn’t move a fraction of an inch in any direction, so wobbling is out of the question. Also, the pulley system is probably the smoothest I have ever tested and will allow you to focus more on your exercises and less on how the machine is performing, especially as you don’t need to change the cables when switching from mid pulls to high pulls.
You have nice padding on the bench, super thick and dense, which is also present on the knee pads, and I must say, it felt very comfortable to use them. I was able to adjust the weight by adding extra plates or removing them. There are labels in the package with numbers you can stick on the plates to know at a glance how much you are pulling. As I am a bit lazy with math, I would have preferred that the labels showed the total weight instead of numbers, but this is just me. Overall, the Body-Solid Pro Clubline SLM-300G/2 performed exceptionally and looks so robust I have no doubt it can last for a lifetime.
A versatile unit with high-quality materials, weights, and accessories included, no cable change, and stable as a cement block. The SLM-300G/2 is a gym-goer’s dream. It has an operating movement as smooth as butter, all components are made of heavy-duty steel, and the cushions that press against you are as soft as can be. What more could you wish for?
To work your core even more than a lat machine allows, here we have a free-standing pull-up bar selection for you.
Warranty: [Non-commercial, Normal use] Limited Lifetime – Frame (excluding finish); 5 Years – Moving frame (excluding finish); 2 Years – Component parts (bearings, spring pins and hardwares)
The Powertec is a strong contender on our list, its primary focus-point being the 500-pound peak weight capacity, which is almost double the weight limit of the Body-Solid Pro Clubline SLM-300G/2. And if that’s not enough, besides the angled steel posts, this unit offers weight stack rods for an optional extra 190-pound stack. So for days when balancing plates sounds like an extra task, simply adjust your weight selector pin and get going. This places the Powertec at the highest weight capacity for just under $1,000. The posts come are a 2-inch diameter preset, but for an extra charge, you can get 1-inch posts to switch. All this weight is supported by a 12-gauge steel frame with a 189-pound weight, painted in an attractive matte black, and also by the added ring stoppers that prevent unwanted movement.
The cushioned areas come with upgraded padding, and the best part has to be the seat. Other than it being at a lower height and having dual positions to fit taller users, it can also pivot to the side, giving you ample space for more exercise variety. The added accessories are the top and bottom bars. With all these amazing features, the only downside has to be setting it up, seeing as it can be difficult and might turn out to be a 2-person job.
Pros:
500 lbs. Maximum Capacity
190 lbs. Extra stack option
Adjustable swivel seat
Thick padding
Cons:
2 Person job assembly
Only comes with 2″ Olympic plates posts
Verdict:
If you’re looking for the best weight stacking unit on the list, Powertec gives you a versatile, commercial-grade station with a 500-pound capacity accompanied by a 190-pound extra option. It has high-quality padding and a seat that swivels to give you more room in case you need it.
For those days when a station seems too overwhelming, try one of these adjustable dumbbells for some lighter exercises.
Areas Targeted: Biceps, Forearms, Lats, Traps, Triceps
Maximum Load: 400 lbs.
Range of Application: 1″ Standard plates
Versatility: Multi-use
Features: 2.5″ High-density foam, 40oz. marine-grade vinyl, Foot support
Ratio: 2:1
Accessories: 48″ Pull down bar, 20″ Low row bar
Warranty: [Commercial use] 1 Year [Non-commercial, Normal use] Lifetime – Frames, Cams, Weight stacks; 5 Years – Cables, Pulleys, Pivot bearings; 3 Years – Brass bushings, Movement
Moving along, the Champion Barbell Plate-Loaded L shows us a machine typical in design but with an impressive 400-pound weight load maximum. This model came to be the favorite one thanks to its user-friendly look and high-performance capabilities.
When speaking of structure, its 65 by 30 inches (coupled with a spacious 86-inch height) size made of 2-inch square strong steel brings this unit to 185 pounds in weight, which means it has good stability to ease of transport ratio. Its designed with a 2:1 ratio, standard 1-inch diameter posts, and the top and bottom pulleys give the possibility of having a wide range of workouts to choose from. With everything from pulldowns to bicep curls, your upper body strength is only going to go up.
Comfort-wise, the knee rollers on this one are height-adjustable and made of a very dense 2.5-inch foam with 40 oz. marine-grade upholstery. The same materials are used when it comes to the seat. This design allows for easy clean-up after every use. Another bonus is the foot support for low rows. The package also comes with a nice 48-inch length pull bar and a 20-inch low bar for all your exercise needs. Taking all this into consideration, this model is suitable for everyone, from the most to the least experienced.
Pros:
Wide bars included
Adjustable seat and leg rollers
400 lbs. Maximum Capacity
Solid build
Foot support
Cons:
Each side needs to be balanced for smoother operation
Cable needs to be changed when switching exercise type
Verdict:
A machine with great performance and excellent specs, the Champion Barbell Plate-Loaded L proves itself as a go-to for a good workout experience, giving you all the features you need to keep your exercises flowing.
For those used to pulling Olympic weights, we also have Olympic weight set options for lifting.
4. Marcy Home Gym Stack MWM
Marcy Home Gym Stack MWM
Specifications:
Size: 68″ x 42″ x 78″
Weight: 137 lbs.
Adjustability: N/A
Areas Targeted: Biceps, Forearms, Lat, Shoulders, Traps, and Triceps, Legs
It is hard to go wrong with a Marcy product, especially when you pick one with a multifunctional design that will not only help you have large and strong muscles but can provide an intense workout for your entire body. The MWM 988 is, in fact, a home gym machine that was provided with a lat bar, this being the main reason for which it is more expensive. However, you must consider all the advantages you can get by buying an apparatus of this kind instead of investing in a cheaper lat machine:
Exercise versatility – besides the regular lat workouts, you will be able to do chest presses and vertical butterfly workouts that will engage more muscles of your upper body and help you achieve your goals in a shorter amount of time. Plus, with the integrated leg developer, your lower body will also receive the exercise it needs.
This model has a very sturdy seat and backrest provided with thick upholstery that guarantees a comfortable position while exercising. It also includes a curl pad that can help you do isolated bicep exercises. When you don’t use it, you can simply take it down so it doesn’t stand in your way.
You will receive a weight stack that weighs 150 lbs. but this machine can take up to 300 lbs., so there is room to expand in case you ever feel that you need more.
Cables and ankle straps are included, so you can try standing leg curls and other exercises.
Pros:
A multifunctional device that can provide a complete body workout
High-quality frame, padding, and upholstery for increased comfort
Weight stack included + more weight can be added
Comes with a curl pad that can be removed
Cons:
The assembly process takes longer than with a regular lat machine
The directions for putting it together are incomplete and hard to follow
Verdict:
A multifunctional gym apparatus that allows you to do your lat pulldowns in complete comfort but also get your training to the next level by training your arm and leg muscles. It comes with add-ons and accessories that make it even more functional. Plus, it is produced by a renowned company, which is an extra guarantee of how qualitative it is.
Accessories: 4′ Pull down bar, Low row bar (texturized rubber grips), Flip-up diamond footplate, 14″ Olympic adaptor sleeves
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
When taking your first look at this Xmark unit’s specs, you’ll probably notice the relatively small footprint, which can make it gain the first point when you’re checking the boxes for at-home equipment. The next point will definitely be the 400-pound load capacity, a big expectation considering its size, but nonetheless a real one. This station can hold 200 pounds on each side and has a top and a bottom pulley for workout versatility, assuring you that you won’t need a replacement when you go up with your strength level.
On the engineering aspect, the structure is created with an 11-gauge, 12-inch by 3-inch steel, protected by a baked powder layer. The stability is further aided by the anti-skid legs that are frame-bolted. The weight maximum can be reached utilizing both 1-inch or 14-inch diameter standard, respectively Olympic plates, and is held by aircraft-quality, high-tensile strength cables. Good training is guaranteed by the tough, 3-inch thick Duraguard materials, meaning the cushion and the upholstery of the seat and the leg pads. Seeing how the cushioning on the Champion Barbell Plate-Loaded L is thinner by 0.5”, this can be considered a more comfortable model. Its included accessories, besides the post sleeves, are a top bar and a low bar with a rubber texture on the gripping area, and integrated foot support for low row exercises that flips up or down.
Pros:
Flip-up foot support
400 lbs. Maximum Capacity
Comes with 14″ Olympic weight sleeves
Comfortable cushioning
Cons:
Might wobble slightly when exercising with standard weights
Assembly required
Verdict:
The Xmark checks the boxes for an at-home station with commercial-grade qualities. High-quality engineering materials, a 400-pound capacity, and Duraguard-provided comfort will make your workout feel like a professional gym experience.
6. Titan Fitness Plate Loaded LAT Tower v2
Titan Fitness Plate Loaded LAT Tower v2
Specifications:
Size: 57″ x 47″ x 85″
Weight: 120 lbs.
Adjustability: Thigh pads
Areas Targeted: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Traps and Triceps, Latissimus dorsi, and Rear deltoids
Maximum Load: 400 lbs.
Range of Application: 2″ Olympic plates
Versatility: Multi-use
Features: Steel frame with powder coat, weight posts
Ratio: 1:1
Accessories: Lat bar, low row handle
Warranty: No warranty
This Titan model is basic-looking, with a black, weighty-gauge steel structure, and it has scratch resistance due to the electrostatic application of a powder layer. Its weight load peak reaches 400 pounds, the same as the weight limit offered by the XMark Lat Pulldown & Low Row Machine, which can be maneuvered through the top pulley for pulldown exercise, and through the bottom pulley for rows, curls, etc. Adjustment-wise, the thigh pads can be modified to 4 positions, but the chair cannot be adjusted in any way. This might cause some inconvenience for those who are taller or who have longer legs.
Other than the upgraded 400 pounds resistance, the Titan Fitness Plate Loaded LAT Tower v2 also has bolt-down holes, so you have the option of a permanent installation, which will give you more stability while using the apparatus. However, you need to take into consideration that this is not the most compact model – it measures 85” by 57” by 47” – so we recommend carefully checking that it doesn’t come in the way before bolting it down. The posts are designed to accommodate 2” Olympic plates. All things considered, this model could be a good option for those who want to start broadening their exercise options.
Pros:
The resistance can be adjusted to match the needs of all users
Heavy-duty steel structure
Cable flows smoothly
Can be bolted down for more stability
Cons:
The seat position cannot be changed
It can be a little wobbly if not anchored or bolted to the floor
Verdict:
This Titan model is a classic, standard design, durable unit. With a 400-pound weight load maximum and Olympic 2” diameter posts, it is a safe option for beginners looking to expand their home gym but also a performant machine that can match the needs of intermediate users.
7. Valor Fitness CB-12 Lat Pull Down Machine
Valor Fitness CB-12 Lat Pull Down Machine
Specifications:
Size: 50″ x 80″ x 25″
Weight: 84 lbs.
Adjustability: Seat
Areas Targeted: Lat, shoulders, and arms
Maximum Load: 200 lbs.
Range of Application: 2″ Olympic plates, 1″ Standard plates
Accessories: Lat bar, double stitched harness strap with soft handles, spring clips
Warranty: 3 Years Frame, 2 Years Pad, 2 Years Cable, 1 Year Popper Pin, 1 Year Hardware
Valor Fitness presents a high-quality model built with 12-gauge steel, which comes in bars measuring 2” by 2”. This design, along with the 60” long cables that have increased durability, allows it to sustain a resistance of up to 200 lbs. As expected, the lat bar is included, but you also get a lower utility bar, which can be adjusted according to any user’s needs. This accessory basically adds a supplementary workout station that can help engage more muscles during a single workout session. Another element that is worthy to be mentioned is the harness strap, which comes with soft handles and double stitching to allow you to do seated ab crunches.
One aspect we liked about this model is that it comes with an adjustable seat that can move on the vertical at a distance of 5”. The way of locking it is through pull pins, and you have 4 positions at your disposal. The posts are designed to hold standard weight plates, but if you have a set of Olympic plates that need to be stored, you can buy the adapter offered by the company and make them fit. Valor Fitness also offers a good 3-year warranty on the frame, and you also receive coverage for the other components.
Pros:
Heavy-weight construction that can last for a lifetime
Adjustable seat with easy locking
Allows you to combine multiple exercises
Diamond-textured plates for more stability
Cons:
The instructions aren’t clear enough
People who are more than 6 feet tall may find the range of motion to be too restrictive
Verdict:
The Valor Fitness CB-12 has a fair quality-price report and is easy to use once you get over the assembly part, which is a bit tricky. It comes with multiple accessories that allow you to variate your exercises, and you can adjust your seat to get the most comfortable position.
Areas Targeted: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Traps and Triceps, Latissimus dorsi, and Rear deltoids
Maximum Load: 500 lbs.
Range of Application: 2″ Olympic plates, 1″ Standard plates
Versatility: Multi-use
Features: Non-slip base, Powder-coated finish, Bar holders, Foot brace, No-cable-change
Ratio: 2:1
Accessories: 41.7″ Pull down bar, 14.2″ Low row bar
Warranty: N/A
The BuyHive model presents itself with an amazingly low price and a high, 500-pound peak capacity, which is only equaled by the Powertec Lat Machine on our top. The shape and look are conventional, with a silver-gray structure and black accents. The steel build is layered in a powder finish to prevent any damage to its integrity, and the base is anti-slip to prevent accidents during use. Its size, when assembled, is average – not too small, not too big. The expected weight after assembling it is 220.46 pounds, but the height comes at 77 inches, which is the second-smallest on our list, so it’s not the best fit for people on the taller side. Despite having this preset height, the unit has some adjustable components, more specifically, the leg brace with 4 different positions to accommodate your knees and hold you steady during an exercise, the 4-level up (19.9-inch max.) or down (16.9-inch max.) seat, and, finally, the foot support for low rows.
Like the others, this machine aims to enhance your lat strength through its multi-use nature, given the presence of the top and bottom pulleys. The top and bottom bars are part of the package and come with 41.7-inch, respectively 14.2-inch lengths, and you get extra 2-inch sleeves to also work your muscles with Olympic plates. It does require some assembly when first unpacking it, but it’s no hard task with the included manual and all the hardware needed.
Pros:
Great price tag
500 lbs. Maximum Capacity
Comes with 2″ Olympic weight sleeves
No vertical cable behind the seat
Foot support
Cons:
Might need different carabiners for weight loads over 200 lbs.
Needs anchoring when you’re doing standing exercises
Not suitable for taller people
Verdict:
With its price-to-quality ratio, the BuyHive model has every feature you need for a budget-friendly option. The high, 500-pound weight load maximum, 2″ Olympic plate sleeves, and comfortable cable system turn this purchase into an easy decision.
Areas Targeted: Biceps, Forearms, Shoulders, Traps, Triceps
Maximum Load: 395 lbs.
Range of Application: 1″ Standard plates
Versatility: Multi-use
Features: Ball bearing pulleys, Wide-grip bar, Nylon bushings, Foot support (Non-slip cover), Bar holders
Ratio: 1:1
Accessories: Pull down bar, Low row bar
Warranty: N/A
When looking for an affordable pulldown model for your at-home workouts, which usually tends to look huge at the gym, and you don’t have much space to spare, the XtremepowerUS 96420 could come as the perfect choice for you. It’s lighter than all the others, coming at a surprising 52.91-pound weight, and it also has a small 48×24-inch footprint. These attributes make it easy to move around and fit into almost any room. But don’t be fooled, even with a seemingly frail build, this unit has a 395-pound top load and a thick steel frame, with an anti-slip, covered base to keep your training hours safe and secure. Its design is also appealing, seeing as it has an all-black structure and an eye-catching red trim on the seat’s underside.
The adaptable parts are the cozy leg brace, with multiple position switching, and the seat that can be brought from a 16 1/4-inch height to a 19 1/4-inch one. The top and bottom pulleys allow for a variety of operations (pulldowns, upright row, low row, etc.) and, as an extra aid, the machine comes with a wide-grip, 41 1/2-inch top bar, and an 18-inch bottom one. The only down part with the pulling system is that the bottom part has its cable running vertically in the back of the seat, which might prove uncomfortable to some users.
Pros:
Good for short users and at-home use
Non-slip cover on base support
Lighter than others
The seat’s height can be adjusted
Cons:
Might need anchoring for exercises that are not seated
Lower pulley cable running behind seat
Verdict:
The XtremepowerUS 96420 is a lightweight and multi-use piece of equipment that can keep your body’s fitness in check. The frame is resistant and the cushioning thick enough to allow you to focus on the exercise. And with a 76-inch height, this machine has an upper hand as an at-home option.
Doing Exercise on A Lat Machine
Buying Guide
Seeing as a lat machine is a quite complex equipment, buying one might not be an as straightforward activity as buying a set of weights. On this type of machine, you can do pull downs, press downs, rows, rotations, and many other bodybuilding exercises, which can actually be harmful to your body if you’re not considering every detail. Height, body weight, mechanisms, and versatility are just some of the things you need to think about when making a decision. For a more detailed explanation, we will delve into the 4 boxes you need to check before swiping your credit card.
Box 1: Dimensions
As you’ve seen in our comparison, the average size you can expect when checking out a pulldown machine is approximately 60 x 40-inches, with an 80-inch height. Knowing these measurements comes in handy when trying to figure out if you have enough space for a new addition to your workout equipment. Luckily, there are plenty of smaller (or bigger) size choices to suit everyone’s needs.
Box 2: Versatility
Although this does not apply to our list, some units don’t give you multiple exercise options and are made for just pulldowns (as an example). You have to check the specifications to be sure that your unit of choice is multi-use and that you’re getting the most for your money.
Box 3: Adjustability
Here the sitting area comes into play because that is the usual spot where these machines have adjustable components. The seat adjustment option can be a simple matter of removal, or for more specialized models, it can mean different height positions, too. The knee pads/leg brace/foam rollers (they all refer to the same part) also come with height adjustability. For the units that use weight stacks instead of weight plates, there’s an extra adjusting tool called a weight selector pin with which you choose your resistance.
Box 4: Features & Accessories
When it comes to features we could be talking about an endless list of components that help you enjoy the best of the best when it comes to a smooth operation. Nylon-coated pulleys, reinforced carabiners, aircraft-quality cables, foot support, plate stabilizers, and so on. All these are what you should look for, seeing as even 1 or 2 can make a difference with your machine.
The usual accessories included are the bars you use in most of the exercises, adaptor sleeves, an instruction placard, and sometimes even weights.
How to Do a Lat Pulldown
When doing lat pulldowns, maintaining proper form and following the steps as instructed is essential for two reasons. First, you don’t want to hurt yourself, and when dealing with weights, this can happen almost instantaneously. It is enough to overload the weight stack or grab the bar incorrectly to end up with back pain or muscle strain. Second, you want your hard work to pay off. If you are not working out properly, you may not see the results you were expecting.
To help you understand the steps you need to follow to stay safe and efficient, we have prepared a short guide that contains everything you need to know, so make sure you read it before starting your first workout.
1. Loading the Machine
Experts recommend not loading more than 84 lbs. if you are a male beginner or 43 lbs. if you are a female beginner, as more weight can lead to accidents for inexperienced users. If you are accustomed to lifting weights, you can select heavier loads that can go up to 150 (women) or 250 lbs. (men). If you are using a model with a weight stack, just select the desired weight. If your machine uses free weights, make sure to load them evenly.
2. Taking the Position on the Apparatus
First, check that the chair is properly adjusted. If your apparatus allows it, change the seat’s height and depth until you feel that you can sit comfortably. You need to have enough room to move without bumping into other components of the machine. Your feet should reach the footplates so you can use your legs for support.
3. Doing the First Pulldown
Now that you sit comfortably on the seat, reach for the lat bar with both your hands.
The distance you need to allow between your hands should be longer than the one between your shoulders, but just by a bit.
Do not clench your shoulder blades. Try to keep them in a relaxed position.
Also, make sure that your hands are extended but relaxed.
Pull the bar toward your neck until it reaches your clavicle region. Pause.
Slowly extend your arms, allowing the bar to go back to the first position.
4. How many sets and reps?
There are two ways of approaching this subject: you either choose to do more sets and use lower resistance or go for a smaller number of sets while setting the apparatus on higher resistance. In the first case, 10 to 15 reps per set are enough, and you should go for 5 sets at the beginning. If you choose the second case, you can make 4 sets of 15 to 20 reps. More importantly, don’t forget to take a break between each set to allow your muscles to rest, but make sure to make it a brief one so your workout stays efficient. Usually, 45 seconds to 1 minute and a half is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does a lat machine work?
There are plenty of muscles that are worked when employing a LAT machine. Since it’s made to target the back, chest, shoulder, and arm areas, the muscles you are using are the latissimus dorsi, biceps, triceps, trapezoids, pectorals, deltoids, rotator cuff muscles, and so on.
Is a pulldown machine good?
These machines are an efficient and very versatile option for when you’re trying to improve your upper body strength, endurance, and overall muscle mass. A bonus is represented by the possibility of switching up the weight you’re pulling by adding or removing plates.
Do lat pulldowns build muscle?
Yes. Any physical exercise can help you build muscle, but with this kind of unit you’re working many muscles at once, constantly contracting and stretching them when pulling and releasing the bars connected to the weights, therefore with consistent workouts you’re looking at faster and multiple area muscle building.
Should you go heavy on a lat machine?
Health-wise, you shouldn’t overuse any strength-building gym equipment because by the end of your routine you can be overly fatigued, strain your muscles, or cause other, even more serious, injuries. It is better to start light and increase the level of resistance as you become more experienced.
How many lat pulldowns should you do?
The answer to this question is “It depends.”. To know exactly how many pulldowns you should do, first, you need to think about your end goal. Strength? Endurance? Muscle building? The sets and reps vary between 3-5, respectively 6-12. And you shouldn’t forget about the 1.5 minutes of rest in between.
Should you lean back when doing lat pulldowns?
The proper form you need to keep in mind when doing this exercise is a 70° back angle, with your shoulders pulled back to line them with your clavicle. Once you position yourself like this, you can start pulling the bar in front of you – avoid going behind the head, as it poses an injury risk – and down to the top of your chest.
What do lats help with?
Your latissimus dorsi muscles are those that travel from your shoulders to your spine to enable movement and to provide protection. They come into action more than you might have thought. Every time you lift your arm, throw something, or even just rotate your body, these specific muscles are being used, so it’s a good idea to keep them strong and flexible.
What is a good weight for a lat pulldown?
Considering an average weight of 105 pounds, you should go for a split in half weight on your machine, more specifically around 50 pounds. So balance your plates or position your selector pin accordingly and try to go with at least 10 reps.
Conclusion
Size, weights, accessories, adjustability, multiple-use, and so on. Now that you’ve seen everything you need to be wary of when choosing a machine to fit your workout needs and all the muscle groups that will benefit from your new gym equipment, we have selected a few that excelled in their respective features and that we think you could take a second look at when jotting down your favorite model.
The best performer, with top-notch features, has to be the SLM-300G/2. It comes with a heavy, gauge steel, powder-coated structure with a 444-pound weight which guarantees that this station will stay put at all times. It’s a weight stack model, and actually comes with a stack, so you won’t need to pay extra. Other details which make it irresistible are the No-cable-change Tech, the long, DuraFirm cushioned seat, the big 6″ diameter foam rollers, and the reinforced pulleys, cables, and bushings. Lastly, its uniquely welded shape gives any room a professional gym feeling.
For those interested in maintaining their strength and muscle level as opposed to outstanding weight capacity, the Champion Barbell model comes in clutch with a solid build, adjustable seating area (seat and foam rollers), wide pulldown and low row bars, foot support, an 86-inch height, 1″ diameter weight posts, and a just enough 400-pound limit. And its comfortable design is nothing short of a classic gym beauty, with a silver-gray structure and black, marine-grade upholstery which is easy to maintain and highly resistant.
The Powertec gives you everything you would expect from a commercial-grade unit in a home-friendly structure. It has a sleek look, covered in matte black paint, and its frame is made of high-grade steel to help it withstand any weight and any exercise type. And speaking of weight, the best part about this station is the amazing 500-pound maximum weight capacity that can go on the 2″ angled Olympic plate posts, and what’s more, you can add to that with an optional 190 pounds, thanks to the weight stack rods. It also has a comfortable, dual-position seat with nice padding and swivel motion to move it out of your way while you do low rows.
When space is a deciding factor regarding whether or not you’re going to add a pulldown station to your home gym, the XtremepowerUS 96420 model is your savior. This unit has a space-efficient 48×24-inch footprint, and its total weight (without any added plates) comes to 52.91 pounds. Both these aspects make this model a compact and lightweight optimal choice for any modest room. Other specs include a 395 maximum weight load, a non-slip cover for the base, adjustable seat and leg pads, a wide pull bar, and an all-black design with an eye-catching red trim on the seat.
If you’ve been wanting to get a lat machine since forever ago, but your budget limit kept preventing you from having a complete gym ensemble, we can suggest just the right solution for you. For just a couple hundred, the BuyHive model comes packed with an unexpected 500-pound weight limit, 1″ standard and 2″ Olympic weight options, No-cable-change tech, foot support, and height-adjustable seat and leg pads. All considered this unit is an absolute steal.
Lauren is our resident product tester. She dabbles in reviews from time to time too, but she shines best when we hand her various fitness products and she has to dig in and learn everything about them, their ups and downs. She researches all possible aspects of each product she tests and details her experience thoroughly to help put together truthful reviews and tops.
Young girl doing pilates exercises with a reformer bed. Beautiful slim fitness trainer on reformer gray background, low key, art light. Fitness concept.
