High Row Machine vs Archer Pull Up

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 11. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Archer Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

High Row Machine vs Archer Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions compared to 11 for Archer Pull Up.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Archer Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How High Row Machine and Archer Pull Up Differ

What differsHigh Row MachineArcher Pull Up
Equipmenta machinea pull-up bar
Difficulty3 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,545 sessions11 sessions

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How to Do High Row Machine

High Row Machine demo video

High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
  2. 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
  3. 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.

For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.

Want to learn more about High Row Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do Archer Pull Up

Archer Pull Up demo video

Archer Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Pull the bar towards your chest while applying strength to one bicep to hold, and push the bar with the other side.
  2. 2. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
  3. 3. Please do the same on the opposite side.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
  2. 2. Please make sure your back does not bend excessively.
  3. 3. Please be careful not to use momentum.

For a full Archer Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Archer Pull Up exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Archer Pull Up?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Archer Pull Up?

Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 11 for Archer Pull Up. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do High Row Machine and Archer Pull Up need?

High Row Machine needs a machine, and Archer Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.

Which is easier to start with?

High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Archer Pull Up once your form holds up.

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