Lat Pulldown vs Close Grip Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 132. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Close Grip Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Close Grip Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions compared to 132 for Close Grip Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and Close Grip Lat Pulldown 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 and Close Grip Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Close Grip Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 132 sessions |
How to Do Lat Pulldown
Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull until the bar touches your collarbone.
- 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.
For a full Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Lat Pulldown
Close Grip Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Bend your elbows and pull the bar towards your chest.
- 2. After contracting your latissimus dorsi, slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Make sure your elbows do not fully lock out.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to excessively arch your back.
- 2. Relax your shoulders and proceed without tensing them up.
- 3. Maintain the correct posture with an appropriate weight.
For a full Close Grip Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or Close Grip Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 132 for Close Grip Lat Pulldown. 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 and Close Grip Lat Pulldown need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Close Grip Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Lat Pulldown once your form holds up.
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