Can I get away with just doing pull-ups for lats? - Project Sports
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Can I get away with just doing pull-ups for lats?

2 min read

Asked by: Duvalier West

Can you build lats with just pull-ups?

Pullups primarily work your lats. Just about every pullup engages your lats. Unlike chinups, which exert biceps more, pullups primarily target lats. Other muscles such as your triceps, shoulders and core play supporting roles.

How do you get big lats with pull-ups?


Towards the bar you don't want to round for it you want to use those big lats. So we want to chest up chest. Towards the bar. So it starts with a nice firm grip.

Is just doing pull-ups enough for back?

The main limitation of just doing rows and pull ups for back is that you are neglecting your low back. While rows and pull ups are great for the mid and upper back muscle groups, you will not be sufficiently loading the lower back, primarily the erectors.

Can I replace lat pulldown with pull-ups?

The pull-up is often the goal and the method for achieving other goals. It’s a key movement and it should never be replaced by the lat pulldown if possible, though the two can play together well.

What pullup is best for lats?

Arched-back pull-ups are more difficult than conventional pull-ups and that’s why most people don’t do them, but it is one of the very best ways to work to the lats, lower traps and forearms, and also recruits the middle traps, rhomboids and erector spinae muscles.

Do lats make you wider?

If you’re seeking to build a wider back, then the primary muscle that you’re going to want to develop are the lats, as growing this muscle will help effectively add the width to your back that you’re after.

Do pull ups give you a thick back?

The chin-up and pull-up can both develop the back. The difference comes from the forearm supination (turning the arm) in a chin up. This allows your biceps to be more massively recruited and thus lift more weight.

How can I work my lats without lat pulldown?

The 13 best lat pulldown alternatives are:

  1. High Row Machine.
  2. Lat Pullover Machine.
  3. Narrow Grip Row Machine.
  4. Single Arm Dumbbell Row.
  5. Dumbbell Pullover.
  6. Single Arm Cable Pulldown.
  7. Straight Arm Pulldown.
  8. Cable Row.

Why pull-ups are better than lat pulldown?

Pull Up: Pros



More overall body control, core activation, increased upper body strength and just looking like a freaking superman are just a few. Pull ups display real strength and provide an enormous amount of stress to the lats. Another great advantage is that the pull up bar is usually available.