High Row Machine vs Hanging

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 486. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

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

High Row Machine vs Hanging: 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 486 for Hanging.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Hanging 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 Hanging Differ

What differsHigh Row MachineHanging
Equipmenta machinebodyweight only
Difficulty3 of 53 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,545 sessions486 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 Hanging

Hanging demo video

Hanging Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Grab the bar with both hands and hang.
  2. 2. Stretch your arms and elongate your upper body.
  3. 3. Hold for a certain amount of time and breathe.

Coach's Tips

  1. Be careful not to strain your wrists and shoulders when hanging.

For a full Hanging guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Hanging?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Hanging?

Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 486 for Hanging. 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 Hanging need?

High Row Machine needs a machine, and Hanging needs bodyweight only.

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