Exercise guide
Lever Reverse Grip Lateral Pulldown Plate Loaded
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
This compound movement targets the lower lats and biceps through a supinated grip, allowing for a greater range of motion and intense peak contraction. It effectively builds back thickness and arm strength by utilizing the mechanical advantage of the leverage machine.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Adjust the seat height so your feet are flat on the floor and the thigh pads securely lock your legs in place.
- Reach up and grasp the handles with a shoulder-width, underhand (supinated) grip, palms facing toward you.
- Sit down and secure your thighs under the pads, keeping your chest upright and a slight arch in your lower back.
How to do it
- Exhale as you pull the handles down toward your upper chest by driving your elbows down and back.
- Focus on pulling your shoulder blades together and down at the bottom of the movement for a 1-second pause.
- Inhale as you slowly return the handles to the starting position, allowing your lats to fully stretch without letting the weight plates touch.
- Maintain a controlled 2-1-2 tempo (2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up).
Form checklist
- Keep your chest lifted and shoulders down throughout the entire set.
- Avoid excessive leaning back; stay relatively upright to keep the focus on the lats.
- Ensure your elbows stay tucked close to your sides rather than flaring out.
- Do not use momentum or 'swing' the weight down.
Pro tips
- Imagine pulling through your elbows rather than pulling with your hands to better isolate the lats and reduce forearm fatigue.
- At the top of the movement, let your shoulders rise slightly to maximize the stretch on the lats before initiating the next rep.
Make it harder
- Incorporate a 3-second slow eccentric (negative) phase on every repetition to increase time under tension.
- Add a 2-second isometric hold at the point of maximum contraction when the handles are at chest level.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lever reverse grip lateral pulldown plate loaded work?
- The lever reverse grip lateral pulldown plate loaded primarily targets the lats, rhomboids, and trapezius, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lever reverse grip lateral pulldown plate loaded?
- The lever reverse grip lateral pulldown plate loaded uses leverage machine and weight plate.
- Is the lever reverse grip lateral pulldown plate loaded good for beginners?
- The lever reverse grip lateral pulldown plate loaded is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
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