Lat Pulldown Machine vs Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 2,913. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Lat Pulldown Machine and Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Lat Pulldown Machine vs Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 2,913 for Lat Pulldown Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Lat Pulldown Machine and Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Lat Pulldown Machine and Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown Machine | Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,913 sessions | 18,910 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Lat Pulldown Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Lat Pulldown Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Row
Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown Machine or Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 2,913 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 Barbell Row need?
Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine, and Barbell Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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