Deadlift vs Back Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs Back Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift 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 Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | Back Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 1,569 sessions |
How to Do Deadlift
Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
- 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
- 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
- 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
For a full Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Deadlift 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, Deadlift or Back Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 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 Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown need?
Deadlift 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 Deadlift once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
