Back Lat Pulldown vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions vs 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Kettlebell 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 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 127 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 Kettlebell Row
Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please hold the kettlebell with both hands while leaning your upper body forward.
- 2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows back to lift the kettlebell.
- 3. Raise it until your elbows are vertical, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions against 127 for Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Row once your form holds up.
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