Back Lat Pulldown vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Back Lat Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown are close in use — 1,569 vs 917 sessions logged. What separates them is Back loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown: 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 917 for Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown 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 Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 917 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 Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lower your elbows while facing forward.
- 2. Pull the bar until it touches your collarbone.
- 3. Slowly raise your arms to return to the starting 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 up.
For a full Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown?
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 Lat Pulldown and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
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