Arm Pulldown vs Band Assisted Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 1,683. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Band Assisted Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Band Assisted 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 1,683 for Band Assisted Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Band Assisted 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 Band Assisted Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Band Assisted Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 1,683 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 Band Assisted Pull Up
Band Assisted Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. Pull your arms back naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Band Assisted Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Assisted Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Band Assisted Pull Up?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 1,683 for Band Assisted 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 Band Assisted Pull Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Band Assisted Pull Up loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Band Assisted Pull Up need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Band Assisted Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
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