Incline Row vs Rack Pull
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Incline Row more often — 4,037 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Incline Row and Rack Pull and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Incline Row vs Rack Pull: 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 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Row and Rack Pull 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 Rack Pull Differ
| What differs | Incline Row | Rack Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,037 sessions | 766 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 Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Incline Row or Rack Pull?
Planfit users log Incline Row more often — 4,037 sessions against 766 for Rack Pull. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Incline Row and Rack Pull need?
Incline Row needs a dumbbell, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Row is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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