How to do a Lat Pulldown properly by Lisa Hall - Physiotherapist at Newtown Gym

Have you ever wondered am I doing this exercise properly?

Our Video Presenter and Physiotherapist at Newtown Gym, Lisa Hall takes us through the do’s and dont's of performing a lat pulldown  exercise. See the video version of this article here

This is the first in a series of articles on how to do an exercise properly. Remember – doing an exercise incorrectly is not only unlikely to work the targeted muscle group in the desired fashion, it can also lead to injury.

1. Lat Pulldowns - the incorrect technique

Note in this incorrect technique the bar is at the back of the neck and the head pointed down. The Lat Pulldown places a lot of stress on the anterior joint capsule of the shoulder and can eventually lead to impingement or even rotator cuff tears. 

2. Lat Pulldowns - the correct technique part one (starting position):

To start the movement : Lean back a little from your hips. Bring the shoulder blades down and back and pull the bar right down to your chest. 

Squeeze and hold your shoulder down for 2-3 seconds at the end. 

Returning the bar upwards to finish the movement - as for the shoulders; we want those to come down as much as possible. As you raise the bar up, focus on keeping the shoulder pushing down towards the ground. 

About the author:

Lisa Hall is the owner of Physio First based at Newtown Gym and has over 20 years of clinical experience in Physiotherapy. She has developed special interests in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, sports injuries, and exercise therapies including clinical Pilates.

Lisa can be contacted on 0401 059 606 or through her website: http://www.physiofirstnewtown.com.au/

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