Muscles Worked During Lat Pulldowns This exercise mainly targets the latissimus dorsi, more commonly referred to as the "lats," which is a muscle just under the armpits that spreads across and down the back. Lat pulldowns also work teres major, a muscle located near the bottom of the shoulder blade.

Muscles Worked in a Lat Pulldown The lat pulldown primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the lats, which are the largest muscles in the back. Additionally, other muscles in the back, shoulders, and arms are also engaged during this exercise.