As you begin your search for the best home gym machines and free shipping on home gym equipment, there is one piece of equipment to keep in mind, particularly as a beginner: the lat pulldown machine. There are many benefits and creative uses for the machine, if interested.
What Is A Lat Pulldown Machine?
Exercises with the most benefit typically involve multiple muscles. The lat pulldown machine is a piece of compound exercise equipment designed to develop the lat muscle. However, because of the setup and multiple capabilities of the machine, it is possible to perform several exercises and work out several muscle groups, including the back and core. If you are a beginner, the lat pulldown machine is an excellent piece of equipment, and it might be eligible for home gym financing from several reputable sellers.
Benefits of Using A Lat Pulldown Machine
The lat pulldown machine provides several significant benefits, particularly pertaining to the latissimus dorsi muscle. The machine helps isolate the muscle, allowing the individual to prevent overuse of the biceps and triceps. By focusing on your back muscles, especially the lats, a person can strengthen and improve the muscles most responsible for posture and upper body mobility, primarily pulling movements.
3 Ways to Use a Lat Pulldown Machine
1. Standing Lat Pulldown
Instead of focusing on the lats from a seated position, this exercise uses the core to focus on the stabilizing muscles. To perform the exercise, you need to stand in front of the pulldown machine and grab the bar with an overhand grip. Leaning back approximately 30 degrees, place one foot on the seat and the other on the floor. Contract your back muscles as you pull the bar toward your mid to lower chest and maintain a fixed torso position. Hold and squeeze before returning to the starting position.
2. Suspension Trainer Lat Pullup
While the pulldown motion of this exercise is not unique, the movement is a bodyweight exercise and can be a little too challenging for beginners. You want first to adjust the suspension straps so your arms are fully extended from a hanging position with your butt just off the floor. Extend your legs in front of you with your toes up. As you maintain an overhand grip, contract your lats, pulling your body up. As your head reaches your hands, pull them apart, continuing to pull your body up until your hands are past your shoulders. Hold, squeeze, and return to the starting position.
3. Hammer Strength Reverse-Grip Lat Pulldown
This exercise focuses on the lower lats, which is a common weak point in basic lat exercises. To perform the exercise, you will need to sit with the machine pads pressed firmly against your lower quads. You then want to reach up to the handles with an underhand grip. For maximum effect, lean back slightly, contract your back muscles and squeeze your shoulder blades together as you pull both handles simultaneously toward your mid to lower chest. Hold, and then return to the starting position.
If a lat pulldown machine sounds intriguing to you and you feel it would be a perfect fit for your new home gym, contact a local home gym specialist. They can walk you through the ordering and installation process.
