Inverted Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions vs 439. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Inverted Row and Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Inverted Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions compared to 439 for Inverted Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Inverted Row and Wide 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 Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Inverted Row | Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, chest, and biceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Machine type | Smith-machine | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 439 sessions | 7,817 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 Wide Pulldown Machine
Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your lower back doesn't round.
For a full Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Inverted Row or Wide Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 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 Wide Pulldown Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Inverted Row loads back, chest, and biceps, and Wide Pulldown Machine loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Inverted Row and Wide Pulldown Machine need?
Inverted Row needs a machine, and Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Inverted Row once your form holds up.
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