A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that the lat pulldown activates the latissimus dorsi and supporting muscles like the rhomboids and trapezius regardless of grip.

In fact, the most common variations of the lat pulldown involve changing your grip instead of modifying the exercise itself. Here are some of the variables to consider when doing a lat pulldown.

Usually you can only do overhand or underhand with this, so you have fewer grip options available. The lat pulldown is a compound exercise, so it works multiple joints – the shoulder and elbow ...

A reverse grip lat pulldown, which involves pulling the forearms all the way back behind the head, also employs a pronated position, meaning you can get the maximum benefits without having to load ...