Back Exercises: Assisted Pull-Up

by Christina Ranon — August 19, 2008

The assisted pull-up, like the lat pull-down, is a machine exercise that both works your lats and can be a stepping stone to working your way up to an unassisted pull-up, which is a great compound exercise that helps tone the entire back. Rest your feet or your knees on the weight-supported platform and grasp the overhead bar in a wide grip. Pull yourself up until your neck is level with the bar, and then lower yourself slowly to starting position. If you do this movement with an underhand grip, it is generally called a chin-up and is slightly easier.