Lat pulldowns

[blackcr125]

I've heard that you are supposed to go behind your neck, but I've also heard that you shouldn't because it causes injurys. What is the correct form?

 

[Art]

The latest word among our personal trainers is that more injuries
are caused with the bar behind the neck. I was taught to avoid it.
However, I still do the occasional set behind the neck.

Watch your wrists too. Avoid sideways wrist movement.

You could start with a reverse grip like diong a chin up.
Art.

 

[rockcrest]

i pull it in front while leaning back slightly

 

[JLB001]

I always go to the front. Less stress to the neck. We just change up the grip from wide, to narrow, to using the vbar.

 

[Quadsweep]

Originally posted by rockcrest
i pull it in front while leaning back slightly

That's the way to do it.

EMG readings show most activity in the lats during front pulldowns.

The line of pull is poor in the behind neck version. You do not want your elbows to travel far behind your body. (your lats becomes inactive).

Take a look at people doing behind neck pulldowns. Most people lean forward during a behind neck pulldown. In fact they are almost converting a back exercise into some sort of chest exercise.

Behind neck pulldowns are great for your rhomboids, biceps, lower and middle trapezius. They are also good at fucking up your rotator cuff.

 

[LAM]

behind the neck is a unnatural movement for the shoulder...always do them to the front

 

[OMNIFEX]

Hey!!!!???

Why must you have your back slightly leaned back when
using the pulldown bar, with the bar infront of you?

I've been doing it with my back straight for years,
with no problems whatsoever.

I've seen everybody leaning back, in all degrees.

I've tried it once, and;

1. Didn't feel a thing

2. Felt too easy

Can someone please explain why you must have your
back slighty leaned back?

 

[Fit Freak]

You should only lean back slightly...and bringing the bar behind the neck is a sure prescription for rotator cuff problems down the road.

 

[JerseyDevil]

Definitely only do these to the front. Only slightly lean back, and vary grip width. I highly recommend doing chins instead. Done correctly, they are much more effective.

 

[Fit Freak]

Done correctly, they are much more effective.

AGREED

 

[Larva]

are you talking about palms facing you or away??

i call chins palm facing away

 

[Art]

I use reverse grip most of the time (palms away).
That's the most natural feeling chin up for me.

Why must you have your back slightly leaned back when
using the pulldown bar, with the bar infront of you?

So you don't bash the bar on your face and head
Art.

 

[Spitfire]

I think they are most efective for lats, Plams in are better for Bi's

 

[stencil]

Am I right in thinking that chins are essentially the same movement as pulldowns when done with a similar grip?

 

[Spitfire]

No, one, (palms in) you are primarily useing bi's, palms out lats, IMO