Inverted Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions vs 439. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Inverted Row and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Inverted Row vs Lat Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions compared to 439 for Inverted Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Inverted 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 Inverted Row and Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Inverted Row | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, chest, and biceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Machine type | Smith-machine | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 439 sessions | 2,913 sessions |
How to Do Inverted Row
Inverted Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. While keeping your body in a straight line, slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to let the bar of the Smith machine come loose.
- 2. Engage your abs to keep your body in a straight line, making sure your lower back does not arch and your hips do not sag downward.
For a full Inverted Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Inverted 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, Inverted Row or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions against 439 for Inverted Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Inverted Row and Lat Pulldown Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Inverted Row loads back, chest, and biceps, and Lat Pulldown Machine loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Inverted Row and Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Inverted Row needs a machine, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Inverted Row is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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