Arm Pulldown vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 917. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown: 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 917 for Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown 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 Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 917 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 Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lower your elbows while facing forward.
- 2. Pull the bar until it touches your collarbone.
- 3. Slowly raise your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise up.
For a full Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 917 for Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arm Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
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