Lat Pulldown Machine vs Weighted Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,903 sessions vs 271. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown Machine and Weighted Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown Machine vs Weighted Pull Up: 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 271 for Weighted Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown Machine and Weighted 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 Weighted Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown Machine | Weighted Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,903 sessions | 271 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 Weighted Pull Up
Weighted 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 Weighted Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Weighted Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown Machine or Weighted Pull Up?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,903 sessions against 271 for Weighted Pull Up. 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 Weighted Pull Up need?
Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine, and Weighted Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
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