Band Row vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Band Row and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Band Row vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown more often — 1,311 sessions compared to 948 for Band Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Band Row 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 Band Row and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Band Row | Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a resistance band | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 948 sessions | 1,311 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until the bar touches your sternum.
- 3. 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.
For a full Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Band Row 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 Band Row and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown need?
Band Row needs a resistance band, and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Band Row once your form holds up.
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