Incline Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Incline Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Incline Row and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Incline Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Incline Row more often — 4,037 sessions compared to 2,913 for Lat Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Row 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 Incline Row and Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Incline Row | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,037 sessions | 2,913 sessions |
How to Do Incline Row
Incline Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull until your elbow forms a right angle.
- 2. Move your forearm vertically while fully extending your elbow to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to let your arms swing forward or backward.
- 2. Focus on pulling with the muscles on the sides of your back so that your shoulders do not shrug upward.
- 3. When lowering, resist the weight of the dumbbells and lower them slowly so that your arms do not drop.
For a full Incline Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Row 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, Incline Row 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 Incline Row and Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Incline Row needs a dumbbell, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Row is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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