Band Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions vs 948. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Band Row and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Band Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions compared to 948 for Band Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Band Row and Lat Pulldown Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Band Row and Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Band Row | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a resistance band | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 948 sessions | 2,913 sessions |
How to Do Band Row
Band Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the band sideways so it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Using the strength of your back, 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 Band Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Row exercise guide.
How to Do Lat Pulldown Machine
Lat Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the grip up to the collarbone position.
- 4. Slowly raise your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
For a full Lat Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lat Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Band Row or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions against 948 for Band Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Band Row and Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Band Row needs a resistance band, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Row is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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