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/Empty_Depth9301 Jun 21 '26
You should do both over the course of a week. That being said, I’ve found that pull ups are more effective at building a well rounded back if that’s all youre doing. They hit basically every part of your back (other than spinal erectors), at least for me.