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Close Grip Pulldown - Instructions, Variations & Alternatives

Muscles involved

  • Lats
  • Biceps
  • Rhomboids
  • Deltoids
  • Forearms

Also known as

  • Parallel Grip Pulldown
  • Neutral Grip Pulldown

How to perform

Close Grip Pulldown - Starting position

Close Grip Pulldown - Starting position

Close Grip Pulldown - Muscle Under Tension

Close Grip Pulldown - Muscle Under Tension

  1. Set up & Starting position (seated)
    Grip handles with a neutral grip slightly outside of shoulder width.

  2. Concentric phase
    As you exhale, pull the handles down until it touches the upper chest.

  3. Isometric hold (optional) - Pause and squeeze the back muscles.

  4. Eccentric phase
    Slowly bring the bar to the starting position with the lats fully stretched. Repeat.

Exercise Alternatives