Arm Pulldown vs Prone A Raise
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 565. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Prone A Raise and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Prone A Raise: 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 565 for Prone A Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Prone A Raise 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 Prone A Raise Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Prone A Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | traps and rear delts |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 565 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 Prone A Raise
Prone A Raise Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Fold your wings and raise your arms.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your trapezius muscles.
For a full Prone A Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Prone A Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Prone A Raise?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 565 for Prone A Raise. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arm Pulldown and Prone A Raise work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Prone A Raise loads traps and rear delts.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Prone A Raise need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Prone A Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Prone A Raise once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

