Excessive lean-back — becomes a row
Erectors assist the pulldown; the vertical pulling pattern is compromised.
Overactive muscles
Erector spinaeHip flexors
Corrective work
Foam RollErector spinae↗StretchHalf-kneeling hip flexor stretch↗Pull · Upper Body
Close-Grip Lat Pulldown
Coaching cues
- V-bar or close neutral grip; pull to the upper chest; elbows drive down and in
- The close grip shifts emphasis from the outer to the inner lat and teres major
- Full lockout at the top; lower with control — resist the stack
- Pair with wide-grip pulldowns to hit all angles of the lat
Common faults 2
Shoulders shrug at the top of every rep
Scapulae elevate instead of depressing to initiate the pull.
Overactive muscles
Upper trapeziusLevator scapulae
Corrective work
Foam RollUpper traps↗StretchLevator scapulae stretch↗