Arm Pulldown vs Wide Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Wide Pulldown Machine works multiple joints at once, Arm Pulldown isolates — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Back day.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Wide 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 7,817 for Wide Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Wide 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 Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 7,817 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 Wide Pulldown Machine
Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your lower back doesn't round.
For a full Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Wide Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 7,817 for Wide 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 Wide Pulldown Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Wide Pulldown Machine loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Wide Pulldown Machine need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
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