Back Lat Pulldown vs Hanging
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions vs 486. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Hanging and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Hanging: 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 486 for Hanging.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Hanging 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 Hanging Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Hanging |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 486 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 Hanging
Hanging Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the bar with both hands and hang.
- 2. Stretch your arms and elongate your upper body.
- 3. Hold for a certain amount of time and breathe.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to strain your wrists and shoulders when hanging.
For a full Hanging guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Hanging?
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions against 486 for Hanging. 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 Hanging need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Hanging needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging once your form holds up.
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