High Row Machine vs Close Grip Chin Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 345. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Close Grip Chin Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Close Grip Chin 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 345 for Close Grip Chin Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Close Grip Chin 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 Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 345 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 Chin Up
Close Grip Chin Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please go up using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Close Grip Chin Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Chin Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Close Grip Chin Up?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 345 for Close Grip Chin 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 Close Grip Chin Up need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
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