Back Lat Pulldown vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs High Row Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown. 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 High Row Machine need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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