Back Lat Pulldown vs Low Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Low Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Low Row Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,112 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Low 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 Low Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Low Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 3,112 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 Low Row Machine
Low Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. While maintaining an open chest, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest out to avoid slouching your back.
For a full Low Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Low Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Low Row Machine?
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 Low Row Machine need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Low Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Low Row Machine once your form holds up.
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