High Row Machine vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
High Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Lat Pulldown Machine: 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 2,913 for Lat Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Lat Pulldown Machine 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 Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 2,913 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 Lat Pulldown Machine
Lat Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the grip up to the collarbone position.
- 4. Slowly raise your arms and 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 along with it.
For a full Lat Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lat Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do High Row Machine and Lat Pulldown Machine need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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