Lat Pulldown Machine vs Hanging
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,903 sessions vs 486. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown Machine and Hanging and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown Machine vs Hanging: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,903 sessions compared to 486 for Hanging.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown Machine and Hanging 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 Hanging Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown Machine | Hanging |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,903 sessions | 486 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 Hanging
Hanging Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the bar with both hands and hang.
- 2. Stretch your arms and elongate your upper body.
- 3. Hold for a certain amount of time and breathe.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to strain your wrists and shoulders when hanging.
For a full Hanging guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown Machine or Hanging?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,903 sessions against 486 for Hanging. 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 Hanging need?
Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine, and Hanging needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Hanging is the easier place to start. Move to Lat Pulldown Machine once your form holds up.
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