Arm Pulldown vs Weighted Chin Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions vs 52. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Arm Pulldown and Weighted Chin Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Arm Pulldown vs Weighted Chin Up: 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 52 for Weighted Chin Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Arm Pulldown and Weighted Chin Up 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 Weighted Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Arm Pulldown | Weighted Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back and triceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 34,261 sessions | 52 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 Weighted Chin Up
Weighted Chin Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Weighted Chin Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Weighted Chin Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Arm Pulldown or Weighted Chin Up?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 52 for Weighted Chin Up. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Arm Pulldown and Weighted Chin Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps, and Weighted Chin Up loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Arm Pulldown and Weighted Chin Up need?
Arm Pulldown needs a machine, and Weighted Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Weighted Chin Up once your form holds up.
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