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Natural Bodybuilder Points Out Three Lat Pull-Down Mistakes Robbing You of Gains

Published 04/25/2024, 7:15 AM EDT

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Do you feel like despite the efforts in the gym, you’re not seeing the gains you expected? Well! Jeff Nippard, the natural bodybuilding sensation, has some valuable advice that might change your game. Recently, he shared three tips to supercharge your lat pull-downs and maximize your gains.

In a recent YouTube short video, Nippard emphasized the importance of proper form throughout the exercise. He advised, “First, don’t lean back excessively.” He recommended aiming to maintain a vertical position at the top of the movement to fully stretch the lats, and then leaning back slightly, around 10 to 15 degrees, as you lower the bar towards your chest. This adjustment ensures optimal engagement of the targeted muscles, enhancing the effectiveness of each repetition.

Additionally, the 32-year-old called for the adoption of a thumbless grip for better mind-muscle connection. By avoiding wrapping the thumb around the bar, individuals often experience improved activation of the lat muscles. This approach prevents the forearms from taking over, allowing the back muscles to be the primary focus during the exercise. “If your grip fails this way, use straps. You want your back to be the limiting factor, not your forearms,” Nippard said.

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Furthermore, the bodybuilder explained, “That final negative on your final rep may be the most important part of any rep you’ll do. Lower the weight slowly as you feel your back pulling apart.”

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Many individuals tend to rush through this phase, missing out on valuable muscle stimulation. In an earlier video, Nippard had spilled the beans on the way to attain powerful leg muscles.

Five points for leg gains

According to the fitness expert, a perfect squat hinges on five key points. First up, bar placement is crucial. For targeting your quads, aim for a high bar squat by positioning the bar on your upper traps. Want to work those glutes and lower back? Opt for a low bar squat by shifting the bar slightly lower. When it comes to stepping out, keep it efficient.

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“Clear the rack in one step, match the other foot, and adjust if needed,” advises Nippard. Stance width matters too, he says while suggesting a shoulder-width stance with slightly flared toes. But remember, what works for one may not work for another. Moreover, getting low is important. However, don’t worry if you can’t go all the way down; just keep working at it. Keep the bar moving straight over your foot to keep your form on point.

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By implementing these tips into your routine, you can optimize muscle activation and pave the way for greater gains. Remember, success in bodybuilding often hinges on the finer details of form and technique. So, next time you hit the gym, keep Jeff Nippard’s pieces of advice in mind and watch your progress soar.

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Written by:

Arpita Shrivastava

911Articles

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Arpita Shrivastava is a bodybuilding writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in tracking the lifestyles of bodybuilders. A master’s degree holder in Mass Communication, Arpita is a frequent contributor to coverage about her idols Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. She likes going behind the scenes to understand the nitty-gritty of building a shredded physique.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Manikandan