On Lat pull downs, and pull ups?

Question

I use a lat pull down bar to do pull ups also but im wondering i only pull it down to be even with my chin how fat down should i be pulling the bar down on the lats cuz if i have to pull it lower to do it right i must decrease weight? or leave it the same and pull just down to my chin?

Answer 1

If you can only pull it as far as your chin then lower the weight slightly and pull it lower.  Do this 3 times a week, then after a week increase the weight very slowly and pull it down below your chin.  

Dont try to walk before you can walk chum, always use a weight that you can do 8 repetitions on but  on your 8th rep, you should find it near impssible to pull down.  When you can achieve this easily then increase the weights you use.  This makes you stronger.  

Answer 2

Grip the wide bar attachment just before the ends of the bar start to angle. Hold onto the bar and sit down. Make sure that the lap bar is adjusted so your legs fit snug underneath it. In the starting position your arms should be fully extended giving your lats a full stretch.

With power, pull the bar to the top of your chest. Try to touch your chest with the bar, fully contracting your lats. Under control, extend your arms back to the starting position again fully stretching your lats. When you are finished, stand up holding the bar and set the weights down.

You should allow your body to move naturally while performing this exercise. When you start you should be almost seated upright. As you pull the bar down towards the top of your chest allow yourself to lean backwards until your upper body is approximately at a 45 to 55 degree angle to the floor.

This will enable you to overload the muscle more and will help guard against injury, especially in the shoulder area. This is the natural mechanical motion for your body.