Back Lat Pulldown vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Smith Machine Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Smith Machine Barbell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Smith Machine Barbell 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 4,483 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row
Smith Machine Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the bar towards your belly button.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with the strength of your back and lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Smith Machine Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Barbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Smith Machine Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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