Barbell Row vs Back Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Back Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Back Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Back 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 Barbell Row and Back Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Back Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 1,569 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Row
Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with 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 let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Row exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Back Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 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 Barbell Row and Back Lat Pulldown need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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