High Row Machine vs Ring Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 4. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Ring Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Ring 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 4 for Ring Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Ring 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 Ring Pull Up Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Ring Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 4 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 Ring Pull Up
Ring Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms to bring your chest closer to the ring.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades inward and downward, naturally pull your arms.
- 3. Open your chest and slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Maintain your posture so it doesn't get disrupted when you come down.
- 2. Go up with the feeling of moving your shoulder blades rather than using your arm strength.
For a full Ring Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Ring Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Ring Pull Up?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 4 for Ring 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 Ring Pull Up need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Ring Pull Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Ring Pull Up once your form holds up.
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