Back Extension Machine vs Close Grip Chin Up
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Close Grip Chin Up is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Back Extension Machine and Close Grip Chin Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Back Extension Machine vs Close Grip Chin Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions compared to 334 for Back Extension Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Back Extension Machine and Close Grip Chin Up differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Back Extension Machine and Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Back Extension Machine | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 334 sessions | 345 sessions |
How to Back Extension Machine
Back Extension Machine muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please push the equipment using your core strength.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining core strength to avoid bending your waist.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lose tension in your core throughout the exercise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Back Extension Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Back Extension Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Close Grip Chin Up
Close Grip 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please go up using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip Chin Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip Chin Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Extension Machine or Close Grip Chin Up?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Back Extension Machine and Close Grip Chin Up need?
Back Extension Machine needs a machine, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Chin Up is the easier place to start. Move to Back Extension Machine once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.
