Back Lat Pulldown vs Pull Up
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Pull Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Back Lat Pulldown vs Pull Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Back Lat Pulldown and Pull Up differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Back Lat Pulldown and Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 15,437 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Back Lat Pulldown, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Back Lat Pulldown Guide page of our blog!
How to Pull Up
Pull Up muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest relaxed.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pull Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pull Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Pull Up?
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 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 Pull Up need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

