Target Muscle

    Lats

    Equipment

    Machine

    Difficulty

    Beginner

    Category

    Strength

    Pullover

    The pullover is a machine-based exercise targeting the latissimus dorsi (lats) and also engaging the tricep and shoulders. It is performed by sitting on a machine, grasping the handles, and pulling them towards the chest in a controlled motion.

    Also Works

    TricepsShoulders

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Adjust the seat and handles of the machine to a comfortable position.

    2. 2

      Sit on the machine with your back against the pad and grasp the handles with an overhand grip.

    3. 3

      Keep your arms slightly bent and your core engaged.

    4. 4

      Slowly pull the handles towards your chest, squeezing your lats.

    5. 5

      Pause for a moment at the peak contraction, then slowly return to the starting position.

    6. 6

      Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Focus on pulling with your lats, not your arms. Imagine driving your elbows down toward your hips.
    • Keep a slight arch in your upper back and your chest lifted throughout the movement.
    • Control the return phase and do not let the weight stack pull your arms back too fast.

    Common Mistakes

    • Using the arms to pull instead of initiating the movement from the lats, which turns it into a tricep exercise.
    • Rounding the upper back, which reduces lat engagement and can strain the shoulder joint.
    • Going too heavy and using momentum, which eliminates the lat stretch at the top of the movement.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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