Barbell Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 2,913. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine: 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 2,913 for Lat Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell 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 Barbell Row and Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 2,913 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 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, Barbell Row or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 2,913 for Lat Pulldown Machine. 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 Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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