u/LEWDWARD

My friends and I are debating this question. I have seen people ask it online, but I can't find a true mathematical answer, and GPT doesn't get it either.

My claim is that you cannot do a lat pulldown on a perfect 90 degree pulldown machine (with a pulley, like pictured), where the weight on the other end is more than your body weight.

My example is that if you have 175 pounds on the other end, and you weigh 150 pounds, when you do the motion, you will just end up doing a pullup because the weight on the other end counteracts your ability to pull it.

One of my friends is acting like I'm totally braindead, and the other one agreed with me but now seems to have changed his mind, or doesn't know for sure.

If you are NOT strapped down to the earth/machine, and you try to pull down VERTICALLY while the weight on the other side is heavier than you, can you lift the weigh at all if you are strong enough? What is the exact mathematical answer to this?

One friend also said you can't pull your own weight horizontally if you are standing, but he changed his mind, and I think once you go closer to horizontal (blow 90 degrees), you should be able to do it easier.

Sorry, this might be super dumb. But idk

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