Low Row Machine vs Arm Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Low Row Machine works multiple joints at once, Arm Pulldown isolates — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Back day.
Compare the benefits of Low Row Machine and Arm Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Low Row Machine vs Arm Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions compared to 3,102 for Low Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Low Row Machine and Arm Pulldown differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Low Row Machine and Arm Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Low Row Machine | Arm Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, traps, and biceps | back and triceps |
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,102 sessions | 34,261 sessions |
How to Do Low Row Machine
Low Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. While maintaining an open chest, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest out to avoid slouching your back.
For a full Low Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Low Row Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Arm Pulldown
Arm Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Squeeze your armpits and pull the bar towards your body.
- 2. Slowly raise it back up to shoulder level.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to raise your arms above shoulder level.
- 3. Please be careful not to elevate your trapezius muscles.
For a full Arm Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arm Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Low Row Machine or Arm Pulldown?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 3,102 for Low Row Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Low Row Machine and Arm Pulldown work the same muscles?
Not quite. Low Row Machine loads back, traps, and biceps, and Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps.
What equipment do Low Row Machine and Arm Pulldown need?
Low Row Machine needs a machine, and Arm Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Low Row Machine once your form holds up.
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