High Row Machine vs Butterfly Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 14. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Butterfly Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Butterfly 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 14 for Butterfly Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Butterfly 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 Butterfly Pull Up Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Butterfly Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 14 sessions |
How to Do High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 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.
How to Do Butterfly Pull Up
Butterfly Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Use the recoil to pull your arms so that your chest touches the bar.
- 2. Pull your arms naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 3. Please repeat for the specified number of times.
Coach's Tips
- Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades instead of your arms.
For a full Butterfly Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Butterfly Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Butterfly Pull Up?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 14 for Butterfly 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 Butterfly Pull Up need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Butterfly Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Butterfly Pull Up once your form holds up.
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