Lat Pulldown Machine vs Assisted Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Assisted Pull Up more often — 22,168 sessions vs 2,903. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown Machine and Assisted Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown Machine vs Assisted Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Assisted Pull Up more often — 22,168 sessions compared to 2,903 for Lat Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown Machine and Assisted Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Lat Pulldown Machine and Assisted Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown Machine | Assisted Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,903 sessions | 22,168 sessions |
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.
How to Do Assisted Pull Up
Assisted Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. With your chest relaxed, slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Assisted Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Assisted Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown Machine or Assisted Pull Up?
Planfit users log Assisted Pull Up more often — 22,168 sessions against 2,903 for Lat Pulldown Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Lat Pulldown Machine and Assisted Pull Up need?
Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine, and Assisted Pull Up needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Assisted Pull Up is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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