Inverted Row vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown more often — 1,311 sessions vs 439. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Inverted Row and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

Inverted Row vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown more often — 1,311 sessions compared to 439 for Inverted Row.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Inverted Row 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 Inverted Row and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Differ

What differsInverted RowUnderhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Muscles workedback, chest, and bicepsback, traps, and biceps
Machine typeSmith-machinecable-driven
Difficulty3 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users439 sessions1,311 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Inverted Row or Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Inverted Row

Inverted Row demo video

Inverted Row Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
  2. 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
  3. 3. While keeping your body in a straight line, slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Be careful not to let the bar of the Smith machine come loose.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Inverted Row?Exercise Guide

How to Do Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown

Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown demo video

Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
  2. 2. Pull until the bar touches your sternum.
  3. 3. Slowly raise your arms and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Inverted Row or Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown?

Planfit users log Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown more often — 1,311 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown work the same muscles?

Not quite. Inverted Row loads back, chest, and biceps, and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown loads back, traps, and biceps.

What equipment do Inverted Row and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown need?

Inverted Row 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 Inverted Row once your form holds up.

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