Lat Pulldown vs Rack Pull
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Rack Pull and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Rack Pull: 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 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and Rack Pull 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 Rack Pull Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Rack Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 766 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 Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or Rack Pull?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 766 for Rack Pull. 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 Rack Pull need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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