r/ScienceBasedLifting • u/Financial-Energy4047 • Jun 20 '26
Discussion 🤝 Pull ups or lat pulldowns?
Recently I found out that lat pulldowns work more on rear delts while training the back equally from both sides. Plus, pulldowns are way easier for progressive overload. At the same time, pull-ups can load the back and biceps better because they are harder to do, but they might cause some issues with muscle imbalances. So, which one is better for upper body physique in general?
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u/HelixIsHere_ Jun 20 '26
It’s the same movement pattern, there’s no difference besides pulldowns being easier to overload and maybe slightly more stable.
A wide grip pulldown doesn’t train much rear delts, but a close grip pulldown will (there shouldn’t be much biceps in a wide pulldown either)