Arm Pulldown vs Ring High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 47. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Ring High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Ring High 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 47 for Ring High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Ring High 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 Ring High Row Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Ring High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 47 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 Ring High Row
Ring High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Pull until your chest touches the ring.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.
For a full Ring High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Ring High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Ring High Row?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 47 for Ring High 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 Ring High Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Ring High Row loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Ring High Row need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Ring High Row needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Ring High Row once your form holds up.
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