High Row Machine vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 1,311. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Underhand 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 1,311 for Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Underhand 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 1,311 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until the bar touches your sternum.
- 3. 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.
For a full Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 1,311 for Underhand 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
