Arm Pulldown vs Archer Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 11. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Archer Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Archer Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions compared to 11 for Archer Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Archer Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Arm Pulldown and Archer Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Archer Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 11 sessions |
How to Do Arm Pulldown
Arm Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Squeeze your armpits and pull the bar towards your body.
- 2. Slowly raise it back up to shoulder level.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to raise your arms above shoulder level.
- 3. Please be careful not to elevate your trapezius muscles.
For a full Arm Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arm Pulldown exercise guide.
How to Do Archer Pull Up
Archer Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull the bar towards your chest while applying strength to one bicep to hold, and push the bar with the other side.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
- 3. Please do the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please make sure your back does not bend excessively.
- 3. Please be careful not to use momentum.
For a full Archer Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Archer Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Archer Pull Up?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 11 for Archer Pull Up. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arm Pulldown and Archer Pull Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Archer Pull Up loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Archer Pull Up need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Archer Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Archer Pull Up once your form holds up.
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