How to Make Lat Pulldown Equipment

Although a regular sight in most gyms, a lat pulldown machine can be an expensive purchase for home use. The machine is an excellent piece of workout equipment, capable of strengthening the latissimus dorsi muscle as well as the muscle groups around the elbow and scapularthoracic joints. In essence, the equipment consists of weights connected to a hanging bar, which is pulled downward then returned to its resting position. You can easily create an inexpensive version of the machine for use at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Chin-up bar
  • Barbell bar
  • Two resistance bands of equal resistance
  • Chair or bench
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the chin-up bar through the resistance bands. Hold the bar parallel to the floor to ensure that the bands' ends dangle at even lengths. Tie the bands, if necessary, to adjust the level.

    • 2

      Bolt the chin-up bar's support posts to a solid wall or door frame per the manufacturer's instructions. Mount the chin-up bar in the support brackets. Pull on the bar to make sure that it will not slip.

    • 3

      Insert the barbell bar into the dangling resistance bands. Position the bands near the barbell bar's ends for even support. A released barbell bar should hang parallel to both the chin-up bar and the floor.

    • 4

      Position a chair or bench beneath the barbell bar. Sit down and check that the barbell bar hangs overhead. Tie the resistance bands, as necessary, to adjust the bar's height to a comfortable level.

    • 5

      Grasp the barbell bar at each end. Pull the bar down to your mid-chest then slowly return it up to its resting position. Perform 10 to 14 reps to complete one set.