pull-ups versus lat pulldown?

[timhet]

I currently weigh about 175 pounds and I lat pull-down about 10-12 reps of 120 pounds for about 4 sets.

If the goal is muscle hypertrophy, then should I continue to do this, gradually increasing the weight every so often, with the aim to be around 10-12 reps, or should I start doing pull-ups. I'm guessing that I would only be able to do a few pull-ups in a set.

[R_Bid]

they both work. you can do either... or both.

[italianbull]

you could do more work with lats then rather if you had to just do body weight

[F1eld]

pullups. more challenging. make you more man.

[Majestyc]

Both are equally important and equally challenging.

[sabonis224]

IMO I think pullups are a lot better than pulldowns. I look at pulldowns as a substitute for pullups, not an equal. I'm sure not many think that way though haha

[joe_indo]

for hypertrophy...both

[Hard Drive]

Why not do both and have a greater variety in your choice of reps?

[JoeyDaFool]

pull ups are better, at least for me. and pros swear by them.

[R_Bid]

honestly, i've been enjoying doing both. starting my back day lately with a set of pulldowns, then doing 5x5 weighted pullups, then another set of pulldowns. feels great in my back.

on top of that, i even go back later and do close-grip hammer chins.

no reason you have to choose just one of them.

[LactoseTolerant]

This is a good thread. The author is a bit biased against pulldowns. I have to admit I am too.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=109425221

[be86]

IMO, pull ups are a great determiner of strength, just because you're moving your whole body weight (F gay people that swing.). However, I'd say that lat pull downs are more of isometric exercise for the lats. , just like incline press is an isometric exercise for the chest.

Do both for variety. I do push-ups, crunches, and pull-ups right before bed every night. I work with lat pull downs in the gym on my back day.

[DiamondDelts]

Just do both for best results. Mmm kay? Okay.

[tshields]

I agree. Conventional wisdom says do both. But I'm from the school of thought that you and you alone know what exercises work best for your body. Do those that put the most mass on "your" body.

[SirRicky]

Pull ups > lat pulldowns

[Defeated]

Pull-ups are more intense on the core muscles that the lat pull-down.

[MantisStriker]

IMO, pull ups are a great determiner of strength, just because you're moving your whole body weight (F gay people that swing.). However, I'd say that lat pull downs are more of isometric exercise for the lats. , just like incline press is an isometric exercise for the chest.

Do both for variety. I do push-ups, crunches, and pull-ups right before bed every night. I work with lat pull downs in the gym on my back day.

so if i do kipping pullups are you telling me to f*ck my self?

[laalz]

IMO I think pullups are a lot better than pulldowns. I look at pulldowns as a substitute for pullups, not an equal. I'm sure not many think that way though haha

I do. love pullups my main lat exercise.
Not a big fan of the lat pull down machine .... too much issue regarding form ... it feels good when you do heavy weight and rack back a bit .. but also a lower weight and keep your back straight as anything .... too complicated.

better just to jump on some bars and pull yourself up

[05impalaSS]

I hate doing chins.. I can only do about 5 or 6 good ones... so ill stick with my pull downs

[Samraiwise]

Like everyone said, do both.

Try multi load descending sets, the heaviest first, even a single rep(not max, but weigthed if possible). After that, every lighter one feels easier, even BW pull-up.

Also frequency is the key for BW exercises. For a starter, avoid all-out and save energy and spirit for the next day, or hours later on the same day if you have time for this. In two weeks, you'd notice your progress.

Good luck.

[FAO]

Both are great tools, especially if you place them at different places on back day, also mess with rep ranges. IMO, weighted pullups trump both, but if you dont have a belt to do them, going well over your body weight on pulldowns comes somewhere close to them...

[ThickAsABrick]

pullups. more challenging. make you more man.

yeah, because it's definitely an exercise that's the primary measuring stick for being a "man"

[Mindi912]

yeah, because it's definitely an exercise that's the primary measuring stick for being a "man"

WOOT I can do four maybe five on a good day - what does that make me?

[FAO]

yeah, because it's definitely an exercise that's the primary measuring stick for being a "man"

I guess I just became a man in like the last year or so then...lol

[dindysport]

do both...work your way up to weight pull-ups but both do great jobs...