Back Lat Pulldown vs Cable High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions vs 651. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Cable High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Cable High Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions compared to 651 for Cable High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Cable 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 Back Lat Pulldown and Cable High Row Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Cable High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 651 sessions |
How to Do Back Lat Pulldown
Back Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the bar behind your head.
- 4. Slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful as fully extending your shoulders and arms may put strain on your shoulders.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 3. If you feel discomfort in your shoulders, please adjust the width of your grip on the bar.
For a full Back Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Back Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
How to Do Cable High Row
Cable High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the handle from the high position of the cable machine.
- 2. Pull your arms back and stabilize your upper body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
For a full Cable High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Cable High Row?
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions against 651 for Cable High Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Back Lat Pulldown and Cable High Row need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Cable High Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Cable High Row once your form holds up.
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