Kettlebell Row vs One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Kettlebell Row and One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Kettlebell Row vs One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 152 sessions compared to 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Kettlebell Row and One Arm 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 Kettlebell Row and One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Kettlebell Row | One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a kettlebell | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 127 sessions | 152 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 One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine
One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pass your elbows by your body and pull the handle towards your chest.
- 2. Feel the contraction of your latissimus dorsi and control it slowly.
- 3. Extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to excessively arch your back.
- 2. Do not use excessive weight; proceed slowly and with control.
For a full One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Kettlebell Row or One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Kettlebell Row and One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine need?
Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell, and One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to One Arm Wide Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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