Deadlift vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions vs 2,913. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs Lat Pulldown Machine: 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 2,913 for Lat Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift 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 Deadlift and Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 2,913 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 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, Deadlift or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 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 Deadlift and Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Deadlift needs a barbell, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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