The Underhand Lat Pulldown is an excellent exercise for strengthening the Latissimus Dorsi muscle, commonly known as the ‘lats’. This exercise primarily targets the lats, but also engages many other muscles in the upper and lower body, including the biceps, trapezius, rhomboids and posterior deltoids.

The primary muscles worked in the lat pulldown are the Latissimus Dorsi and Teres Major. The exercise also works the posterior deltoid, trapezius, rhomboids, biceps, and forearms, plus your triceps, rotator cuff, and core which stabilize you during the movement. As such, it’s an excellent upper body and back workout.

What Muscles Do Underhand Pulldowns Work? Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids Rear Delts Teres Major/minor Biceps

The underhand lat pulldown, also referred to as the reverse grip pulldown, is a great exercise for building strength by targeting the lats and other back muscles, as well as your biceps and forearms for that added engagement. Your shoulders do get some work done as a result of the downward rotation of the shoulder joints.