Lat Pulldown vs Hanging
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 486. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Hanging and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Hanging: 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 486 for Hanging.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown 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 and Hanging Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Hanging |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 486 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 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 or Hanging?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 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 and Hanging need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Hanging needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Hanging once your form holds up.
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