BifitBifit
HomeExercisesBecome a Coach
Log In
HOMEEXERCISESBECOME A COACHLOG IN

Language

Legal

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyDelete Account
BifitBifit

A modern and user-friendly mobile app that makes life easier for fitness enthusiasts. Tracking your workouts and progress is our priority.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Exercises
  • Become a Coach
  • Download · Google Play
  • Download · App Store

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support
  • Account Deletion

© 2026 Bifit. All rights reserved.

Designed for a healthy lifestyle

HomeExercisesBehind Head Lat Pulldown

Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Back
Lats
Intermediate
Compound
3-4Set
10-12Reps
90sRest
2-1-1-0Tempo
Behind Head Lat Pulldown
Animation

Description

Behind Head Lat Pulldown is an effective isolation exercise designed to isolate the upper back and latissimus dorsi muscles. This movement is ideal for increasing back thickness and developing the V-shaped appearance. Thanks to the continuous tension provided by the cable machine, your muscles work continuously throughout the movement. It targets muscles from a different angle as an alternative to standard lat pulldown. Maintaining proper form is important for shoulder health. Suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Sit at the machine and adjust the thigh supports, keep your feet firmly on the ground

  2. 2

    Hold the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width, with palms facing you

  3. 3

    Lower the bar behind your head while maintaining arm spacing

  4. 4

    Pull your elbows to the sides and contract your back muscles

  5. 5

    Return to the starting position in a controlled manner without releasing muscle tension

  6. 6

    Keep your chest open throughout the movement and don't let shoulders rise toward your ears

Key Points

  • ✓Lower the bar behind your head, toward the upper back region not the neck area
  • ✓Your elbows should move down and back, not out to the sides
  • ✓Squeeze your back muscles by bringing your shoulder blades together
  • ✓Keep your chest up and out throughout the movement
  • ✓Release the weight in a controlled manner, don't drop it suddenly

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Lowering the bar to the neck area - risk of neck injury
  • ✗Leaning the body too far back - increases lower back stress
  • ✗Using only arms, neglecting back muscles
  • ✗Performing the movement too quickly - reduces muscle development
  • ✗Flaring elbows out to the sides - makes lat muscles ineffective

Breathing

Exhale while lowering the bar, inhale while pulling up. Complete exhalation at the point of peak muscle contraction.

Muscle Activation

lats0%
rhomboids0%
traps0%
biceps0%
rear delts0%

Safety

Precautions

  • Those with shoulder problems should limit range of motion
  • If rotator cuff injury exists, use light weight
  • Those with neck herniation should pay attention to head position
  • Those with severe back pain should get doctor approval

Safety Tips

  • Keep your elbows close to your body
  • Release the weight in a controlled manner
  • Keep your back straight, don't round
  • Increase weight gradually

Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles does Behind Head Lat Pulldown work?

Behind Head Lat Pulldown primarily works these muscles: Lats, Rhomboids. It also engages: Traps, Biceps, Rear delts.

Is Behind Head Lat Pulldown suitable for beginners?

Behind Head Lat Pulldown is a Intermediate level exercise. Learning difficulty: Moderate.

Can Behind Head Lat Pulldown be done at home?

Behind Head Lat Pulldown usually requires gym equipment, so it can be hard to do at home.

What are common mistakes when doing Behind Head Lat Pulldown?

One of the most common mistakes: Lowering the bar to the neck area - risk of neck injury

How many sets and reps for Behind Head Lat Pulldown?

Recommended: 3-4 sets and 10-12 reps.

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Back Exercises
Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lats

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Lats

Pull-Up

Pull-Up

Lats

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Lats

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Lats

High Row Machine

High Row Machine

Lats

Exercise Information

DifficultyIntermediate
Movement TypeCompound
FocusHypertrophy
Injury RiskLow
Set3-4
Reps10-12
Rest90 seconds
Tempo2-1-1-0
Spotter RequiredNo
Home / Gym
NoYes
Effectiveness4.3 / 5
Popularity6.8 / 10
Learning DifficultyModerate

Equipment

cable

Primary Muscles

LatsRhomboids

Secondary Muscles

TrapsBicepsRear delts

Benefits

  • ✓Targets back muscles in an isolated manner
  • ✓Increases upper back width
  • ✓Supports shoulder health
  • ✓Provides muscle development with controlled movement

Goals

Muscle GainStrength
Back to All Exercises
Behind Head Lat Pulldown
Animation

Description

Behind Head Lat Pulldown is an effective isolation exercise designed to isolate the upper back and latissimus dorsi muscles. This movement is ideal for increasing back thickness and developing the V-shaped appearance. Thanks to the continuous tension provided by the cable machine, your muscles work continuously throughout the movement. It targets muscles from a different angle as an alternative to standard lat pulldown. Maintaining proper form is important for shoulder health. Suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Sit at the machine and adjust the thigh supports, keep your feet firmly on the ground

  2. 2

    Hold the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width, with palms facing you

  3. 3

    Lower the bar behind your head while maintaining arm spacing

  4. 4

    Pull your elbows to the sides and contract your back muscles

  5. 5

    Return to the starting position in a controlled manner without releasing muscle tension

  6. 6

    Keep your chest open throughout the movement and don't let shoulders rise toward your ears

Key Points

  • ✓Lower the bar behind your head, toward the upper back region not the neck area
  • ✓Your elbows should move down and back, not out to the sides
  • ✓Squeeze your back muscles by bringing your shoulder blades together
  • ✓Keep your chest up and out throughout the movement
  • ✓Release the weight in a controlled manner, don't drop it suddenly

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Lowering the bar to the neck area - risk of neck injury
  • ✗Leaning the body too far back - increases lower back stress
  • ✗Using only arms, neglecting back muscles
  • ✗Performing the movement too quickly - reduces muscle development
  • ✗Flaring elbows out to the sides - makes lat muscles ineffective

Breathing

Exhale while lowering the bar, inhale while pulling up. Complete exhalation at the point of peak muscle contraction.

Back to All Exercises

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Back Exercises
Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lats

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Lats

Pull-Up

Pull-Up

Lats

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Lats

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Lats

High Row Machine

High Row Machine

Lats