Back Lat Pulldown vs Weighted Chin Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions vs 52. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Weighted Chin Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Weighted Chin Up: 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 52 for Weighted Chin Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Weighted Chin Up 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 Weighted Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Weighted Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 52 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 Weighted Chin Up
Weighted Chin Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 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.
For a full Weighted Chin Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Weighted Chin Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Weighted Chin Up?
Planfit users log Back Lat Pulldown more often — 1,569 sessions against 52 for Weighted Chin Up. 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 Weighted Chin Up need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Weighted Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Weighted Chin Up once your form holds up.
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