Back Lat Pulldown vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Back Lat Pulldown and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown are close in use — 1,569 vs 1,311 sessions logged. What separates them is Back loading and form.

Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

Back Lat Pulldown vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown: 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 1,311 for Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Differ

What differsBack Lat PulldownUnderhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Difficulty1 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users1,569 sessions1,311 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Back Lat Pulldown or Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Back Lat Pulldown

Back Lat Pulldown demo video

Back Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
  2. 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
  3. 3. Pull the bar behind your head.
  4. 4. Slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful as fully extending your shoulders and arms may put strain on your shoulders.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
  3. 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.

Want to learn more about Back Lat Pulldown?Exercise Guide

How to Do Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown

Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown demo video

Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
  2. 2. Pull until the bar touches your sternum.
  3. 3. Slowly raise your arms and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.

For a full Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown?

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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown need?

Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.

Stop Guessing Which One to Do

AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

Join 4M+ users who found their perfect workout plan

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image