Lat Pulldown vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Both hit Back on a machine, but Lat Pulldown is cable-driven and High Row Machine is plate-loaded — the resistance feels different through the range.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. 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 High Row Machine need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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