High Row Machine vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 917. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown: 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 917 for Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Close Grip Cable 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 High Row Machine and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 917 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 Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lower your elbows while facing forward.
- 2. Pull the bar until it touches your collarbone.
- 3. Slowly raise your arms to 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 up.
For a full Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 917 for Close Grip Cable 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 High Row Machine and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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