Lat Pulldown vs Standing Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions vs 657. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lat Pulldown and Standing Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Lat Pulldown vs Standing Cable 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 657 for Standing Cable Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lat Pulldown and Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Lat Pulldown | Standing Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 81,834 sessions | 657 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 Standing Cable Row
Standing Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull until the grip touches your abdomen.
- 3. Return to the starting position by straightening your back and fully extending your elbows.
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.
- 3. Please stabilize your waist so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Standing Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Standing Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Lat Pulldown or Standing Cable Row?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown more often — 81,834 sessions against 657 for Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row need?
Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Standing Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Standing Cable Row once your form holds up.
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