Arm Pulldown vs One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 858. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs One Arm Lat Pulldown 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 858 for One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and One Arm Lat Pulldown 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 One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 858 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 One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine
One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms up to shoulder level.
- 2. Slowly 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.
- 3. Please be careful not to let your elbows move backward.
For a full One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 858 for One Arm Lat Pulldown 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 One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to One Arm Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

