Lat Pulldown vs Close Grip T-bar Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 543. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Close Grip T-bar Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Close Grip T-bar Row: 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 543 for Close Grip T-bar Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and Close Grip T-bar Row 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 T-bar Row Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Close Grip T-bar Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 543 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 T-bar Row
Close Grip T-bar Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows until they reach your sides.
- 3. While keeping your chest open, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest up to avoid slouching your back.
For a full Close Grip T-bar Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip T-bar Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or Close Grip T-bar Row?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 543 for Close Grip T-bar Row. 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 T-bar Row need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Close Grip T-bar Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip T-bar Row once your form holds up.
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