Arm Pulldown vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
High Row Machine works multiple joints at once, Arm Pulldown isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Back day.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arm Pulldown and High Row Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and High Row Machine loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and High Row Machine need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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