Lat Pulldown vs Seated Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 16,586. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Seated Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Seated 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 16,586 for Seated Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and Seated 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 Seated Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Seated Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | pin-loaded |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 16,586 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 Seated Row Machine
Seated Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
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 Seated Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or Seated Row Machine?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 16,586 for Seated 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 Seated Row Machine need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Seated Row Machine needs a machine.
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