Machine-assisted Pull-up (open-centered bar, standing)
The Machine-assisted Pull-up (open-centered bar, standing) primarily works the Latissimus Dorsi, with secondary activation of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower) and stabilizer support from the Triceps (Long Head). It is a machine compound exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Machine-assisted Pull-up (open-centered bar, standing) is a beginner compound exercise performed with machine, following a vertical pull movement pattern. It primarily targets the Latissimus Dorsi, with secondary engagement of the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower). This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A machine compound pull exercise targeting the Latissimus Dorsi.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Vertical Pull |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Latissimus Dorsi |
| Secondary | Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Trapezius (Lower) |
Muscles Worked
The Latissimus Dorsi is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Levator Scapulae, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Pectoralis Minor, Rhomboids, Teres Major, and Trapezius (Lower) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Triceps (Long Head) act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Latissimus Dorsi (back)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Sternal) (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Minor (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Major (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Step up and grasp bar with wide overhand grip.
- Step down onto assistance lever or platform.
Execution
- Pull body up until neck reaches height of hands.
- Lower body until arms and shoulders are fully extended.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Some assisted machines require you tokneel on platforminstead of standing on bar.
- If no assisted machine is used, assist as needed by allowing training partner to pull feet up behind legs or push self up with legs on elevation.
- Range of motion will decrease if grip istoo wide.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Initiate by pulling your shoulder blades down before bending your elbows.
- Avoid swinging or using momentum — control every inch of the range of motion.
- Full range of motion matters: start from a dead hang for maximum lat stretch.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–5 sets × 3–6 reps at 80–90% 1RM with 2–4 minutes rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–5 sets × 6–12 reps at 65–80% 1RM with 60–120 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–4 sets × 15–20 reps at 50–65% 1RM with 30–60 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Latissimus Dorsi) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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