Arm Pulldown vs High Row Machine
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Arm Pulldown and High Row Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Arm Pulldown vs High Row Machine : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Arm Pulldown and High Row Machine differ in the muscles they load, 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 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Arm Pulldown, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Arm Pulldown Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to High Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the High Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
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.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

