Arm Pulldown vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Kettlebell Row: 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 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Kettlebell Row 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 Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 127 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 Kettlebell Row
Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please hold the kettlebell with both hands while leaning your upper body forward.
- 2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows back to lift the kettlebell.
- 3. Raise it until your elbows are vertical, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 127 for Kettlebell Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arm Pulldown and Kettlebell Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Kettlebell Row loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Kettlebell Row need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Row once your form holds up.
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