Pulldowns vs. Pullups

Flex · 12-06-2004, 08:59 AM

When i do pulldowns, by keeping my knees under the pad, my back arched, and my body completely still, i def. notice i can isolate my lats more, and they burn like hell.

When i do pullups, i don't feel like i isolate my lats as much, and i feel it more in my bi's and shoulders during the lift. but GODDAMN, my lats get so fuckin' sore the next day.

why is that?

**CowPimp** · 12-06-2004, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

When i do pulldowns, by keeping my knees under the pad, my back arched, and my body completely still, i def. notice i can isolate my lats more, and they burn like hell.

When i do pullups, i don't feel like i isolate my lats as much, and i feel it more in my bi's and shoulders during the lift. but GODDAMN, my lats get so fuckin' sore the next day.

why is that?

What you feel during the workout doesn't translate into what level of tension the muscle undergoes. It serves as only one of many possible indicators.

BigDyl · 12-06-2004, 09:25 AM

I never feel my lats before or after my workouts doing ANY kind of exersize, however, they seem to get stronger alot.

Possibily this proves the point that getting sore does not automatically translate into a better/smarter workout that promotes more hypertrophy.

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 09:49 AM

I just put pull ups and chin ups into my routine and I feel them in my lats like crazy

Are you doing them assisted or unassisted Flex?

Tha Don · 12-06-2004, 09:59 AM

pull-ups for me bro, with the mind muscle connection on dem lats (hold and squeeze for a sec at the top)... hits em real good!

Flex · 12-06-2004, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shutupntra1n

Are you doing them assisted or unassisted Flex?

Don't know whatcha mean?

Flex · 12-06-2004, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by young d

(hold and squeeze for a sec at the top)... hits em real good!

going completely to the top and holding is a tad harder on pullups cuz i weight like 225.

the last couple i usually can't get all the way up, so i go as high as i can, which is at least above my chin...

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

Don't know whatcha mean?

I know you are a big guy so I was wondering if you do them regularly or use the pull up assist machine to do more? But from reading on I see they are regular.

Flex · 12-06-2004, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shutupntra1n

I know you are a big guy so I was wondering if you do them regularly or use the pull up assist machine to do more? But from reading on I see they are regular.

i usually use the pulldown machine and go for higher reps cuz i thought i could isolate my lats better.

but with teh soreness i get from doing pullups (even though i don't feel them as much while doing them) is unreal...

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

i usually use the pulldown machine and go for higher reps cuz i thought i could isolate my lats better.

but with teh soreness i get from doing pullups (even though i don't feel them as much while doing them) is unreal...

Yeah I just acquired the pull ups and chin ups into my back wo. They are great. Wish I had been doing them all along. They have helped with the lat size tremendously. Stick to them even if you don't feel them right away. The only time I feel any hardenss or pump in them is when I'm in the last week or so of a ph/ps cycle. Everything is overexagerated at that point. I'm sure you're hitting them. Nice pics btw. I never did post on them I don't think. You're a big boy

bhunter · 12-06-2004, 10:47 AM

Improving pullups? When I was in the army I could do 10-15 a set now I can barely manage one even after training this past year so I usually just do pull-downs to get a feeling of some sort of back work. Any suggestions on improving pullups? I also wiegh 220 could that have anything to do with the difficulty? In the army I was 200 and seemed to handle that wieght just fine. Im open to suggestions!

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhunter

Improving pullups? When I was in the army I could do 10-15 a set now I can barely manage one even after training this past year so I usually just do pull-downs to get a feeling of some sort of back work. Any suggestions on improving pullups? I also wiegh 220 could that have anything to do with the difficulty? In the army I was 200 and seemed to handle that wieght just fine. Im open to suggestions!

You gotta get those lats in good shape. I used the pullup assist machine to work the lats until I could do them

bhunter · 12-06-2004, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shutupntra1n

You gotta get those lats in good shape. I used the pullup assist machine to work the lats until I could do them

Yeah...I thought of that I should just lower my pride and get on it. They have one at my gym but I felt like a wuss having to use the wieght to assist me on them.

**Mudge** · 12-06-2004, 12:24 PM

I used to do assisted a couple years ago, I prefer them to pulldowns. I dont like how pulldowns hit my biceps, I just really feel much better doing a real pullups. I avoid cable machines if I can. My bench even went up switching to assisted pullups almost 3 years ago now.

I did one set of pullups last week and I think I will be doing them more often. I am 244-246 so I dont hit a thousand reps either.

pumpthatiron · 12-06-2004, 12:31 PM

hey i really want to be able to do real pullups, i'm 190 right now and i can only do one pullup. Should i do pulldowns or assisted pullups? Im currently doing pulldowns in my back workout but i was wondering if i should switch to assisted because as mudge said, i feel my biceps a lot when i do pulldowns.

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 12:33 PM

I actually sometimes do a little of both. I believe the assisted pull ups is what helps my lats the most though. The chin ups I don't need to do assisted anymore. If you think you're at a disadvantage, I am a female at 170lbs

bhunter · 12-06-2004, 12:56 PM

I am so glad that I am not the only one with this problem LOL Sometimes it is great to have forums like this for such a thing! Try getting some hercules in the gym to admit they need assistance on pull ups HAHAHAHAHAHA

Flex · 12-06-2004, 02:15 PM

bhunter....
is that Ash from A of D? if it is, you're the MAN hahaha

"Come here, she-bitch. It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and i'm all outta gum"

Flex · 12-06-2004, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shutupntra1n

Nice pics btw. I never did post on them I don't think. You're a big boy

thanks hun

My lats aren't that bad. i just figured i hit them more when i was seated cuz when i do pullups my bi's get killed too. Guess i was wrong...

bhunter · 12-06-2004, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex

bhunter....
is that Ash from A of D? if it is, you're the MAN hahaha

"Come here, she-bitch. It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and i'm all outta gum"

Shop smart! Shop S mart!

camarosuper6 · 12-06-2004, 02:18 PM

Weighted pull-ups with negatives are the best.

I usually do weighted with a 25 lb dumbell and get maybe 5 positive reps, then get on a stool, start in the top posisition and do maybe 6-8 - 6 second negatives.

GREAT workout. I guarantee you wont need to work back or biceps after that.

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

Weighted pull-ups with negatives are the best.

I usually do weighted with a 25 lb dumbell and get maybe 5 positive reps, then get on a stool, start in the top posisition and do maybe 6-8 - 6 second negatives.

GREAT workout. I guarantee you wont need to work back or biceps after that.

this is classic Dave

Here we are discussing the struggle of cracking out one single regular pull up and here you are doing weighted ones

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camarosuper6

Weighted pull-ups with negatives are the best.

I usually do weighted with a 25 lb dumbell and get maybe 5 positive reps, then get on a stool, start in the top posisition and do maybe 6-8 - 6 second negatives.

GREAT workout. I guarantee you wont need to work back or biceps after that.

this is classic Dave

Here we are discussing the struggle of cracking out one single regular pull up and here you are doing weighted ones

bhunter · 12-06-2004, 02:46 PM

haha yeah I was getting jealous! here I am struggling for 1!

shutupntra1n · 12-06-2004, 02:48 PM

You'll get there. It takes time. You've come so far already

bracewater · 12-06-2004, 03:04 PM

I actually like doing both, and I incorporate them both in my back workouts. Check out my journal if you want to see. I used to do just pullups and other back excersizes and my lats were never sore, then I added 30lbs to a weight belt and my lats are sore every time now.

pull ups and pull downs are my main building movements

Flex · 12-06-2004, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhunter

Shop smart! Shop S mart!

OMG, you are the MAN

"Got news for you, pal. You ain't leading but two things right now: Jack and Shit. And, Jack left town"

SUCH an underrated movie.

12-06-2004, 08:59 AM	#1
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	Pulldowns vs. Pullups When i do pulldowns, by keeping my knees under the pad, my back arched, and my body completely still, i def. notice i can isolate my lats more, and they burn like hell. When i do pullups, i don't feel like i isolate my lats as much, and i feel it more in my bi's and shoulders during the lift. but GODDAMN, my lats get so fuckin' sore the next day. why is that?
	You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

12-06-2004, 10:47 AM	#11
bhunter Ash...Housewares Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 42	What about? Improving pullups? When I was in the army I could do 10-15 a set now I can barely manage one even after training this past year so I usually just do pull-downs to get a feeling of some sort of back work. Any suggestions on improving pullups? I also wiegh 220 could that have anything to do with the difficulty? In the army I was 200 and seemed to handle that wieght just fine. Im open to suggestions!
	"We seem but to linger in manhood to tell the dreams of our childhood, and they vanish out of memory ere we learn the language." Henry David Thoreau

12-06-2004, 12:24 PM	#14
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,056 Photos: 1	I used to do assisted a couple years ago, I prefer them to pulldowns. I dont like how pulldowns hit my biceps, I just really feel much better doing a real pullups. I avoid cable machines if I can. My bench even went up switching to assisted pullups almost 3 years ago now. I did one set of pullups last week and I think I will be doing them more often. I am 244-246 so I dont hit a thousand reps either.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

12-06-2004, 12:56 PM	#17
bhunter Ash...Housewares Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 42	I am so glad that I am not the only one with this problem LOL Sometimes it is great to have forums like this for such a thing! Try getting some hercules in the gym to admit they need assistance on pull ups HAHAHAHAHAHA
	"We seem but to linger in manhood to tell the dreams of our childhood, and they vanish out of memory ere we learn the language." Henry David Thoreau

12-06-2004, 02:15 PM	#18
Flex FLEXecutioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Pomping Iyuhn Posts: 6,278 Photos: 2	bhunter.... is that Ash from A of D? if it is, you're the MAN hahaha "Come here, she-bitch. It's time to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and i'm all outta gum"
	You're a funny guy, Sully, I like you. Dat's why I'm going to kill you lahst. * Got juice?Need Motivation?How to Train* Arnold vs. Ronnie vs. Haney vs. Sergio YEAH BUDDY...LIGHT WEIGHT!Ahhnold*

12-06-2004, 09:25 AM	#3
BigDyl Elite Kiki Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Securityland Posts: 15,736 Photos: 2	I never feel my lats before or after my workouts doing ANY kind of exersize, however, they seem to get stronger alot. Possibily this proves the point that getting sore does not automatically translate into a better/smarter workout that promotes more hypertrophy.

12-06-2004, 09:49 AM	#4
shutupntra1n Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,905	I just put pull ups and chin ups into my routine and I feel them in my lats like crazy Are you doing them assisted or unassisted Flex?

12-06-2004, 09:59 AM	#5
Tha Don Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nottingham, England Posts: 3,826 Photos: 33	pull-ups for me bro, with the mind muscle connection on dem lats (hold and squeeze for a sec at the top)... hits em real good!

12-06-2004, 12:31 PM	#15
pumpthatiron Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 639 Photos: 1	hey i really want to be able to do real pullups, i'm 190 right now and i can only do one pullup. Should i do pulldowns or assisted pullups? Im currently doing pulldowns in my back workout but i was wondering if i should switch to assisted because as mudge said, i feel my biceps a lot when i do pulldowns.

12-06-2004, 12:33 PM	#16
shutupntra1n Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,905	I actually sometimes do a little of both. I believe the assisted pull ups is what helps my lats the most though. The chin ups I don't need to do assisted anymore. If you think you're at a disadvantage, I am a female at 170lbs

12-06-2004, 02:18 PM	#21
camarosuper6 Back Home In SOCAL Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California Posts: 3,350	Weighted pull-ups with negatives are the best. I usually do weighted with a 25 lb dumbell and get maybe 5 positive reps, then get on a stool, start in the top posisition and do maybe 6-8 - 6 second negatives. GREAT workout. I guarantee you wont need to work back or biceps after that.
	"TOLERANCE is the virtue of a man without convictions" G.K.Chesterton Boot Shine and Polish $15. New Uniforms: $250 New gun and holster: $450 Looking like a stud in uniform: Priceless Girl: Me and this new guy are getting kinda chummy. Me: Good chummy? Like friends forever? Girl: Ya Me: Or Chummy like, spank my ass chummy?

12-06-2004, 02:46 PM	#24
bhunter Ash...Housewares Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 42	haha yeah I was getting jealous! here I am struggling for 1!
	"We seem but to linger in manhood to tell the dreams of our childhood, and they vanish out of memory ere we learn the language." Henry David Thoreau

12-06-2004, 02:48 PM	#25
shutupntra1n Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,905	You'll get there. It takes time. You've come so far already

12-06-2004, 03:04 PM	#26
bracewater Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: VA Posts: 137	I actually like doing both, and I incorporate them both in my back workouts. Check out my journal if you want to see. I used to do just pullups and other back excersizes and my lats were never sore, then I added 30lbs to a weight belt and my lats are sore every time now. pull ups and pull downs are my main building movements
	VisitMy Journal STATS: (As of 1/5/05) Age: 24 Height: 5'11" Weight: 195lbs Bench: 310 Squat: 365 Dead Lift: 375 TOTAL: 1050