Lat Pulldown vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Kettlebell 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 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 127 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 Kettlebell Row
Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please hold the kettlebell with both hands while leaning your upper body forward.
- 2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows back to lift the kettlebell.
- 3. Raise it until your elbows are vertical, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 127 for Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Row once your form holds up.
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