Kettlebell 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 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Row and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Kettlebell 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 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row and Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Row | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a kettlebell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 127 sessions | 2,913 sessions |
How to Do Kettlebell Row
Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please hold the kettlebell with both hands while leaning your upper body forward.
- 2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows back to lift the kettlebell.
- 3. Raise it until your elbows are vertical, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell 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, Kettlebell Row or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions against 127 for Kettlebell Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Kettlebell Row and Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
