The lat pull-down or lateral pull-down is a great back exercise for beginners. It is a classic cable workout which targets the lats or latssimus dorsi muscles in the back along with engaging the shoulders and arms. Kris Gethin’s tips to do a lateral pull-down Attach a wide bar to the top pulley of a pull-down machine and sit down adjusting the knee pad to fit snugly against your legs. Grip the bar wide with the palms of your hands facing away from your body. Lean your torso back slightly to create a small curvature in your back and stick