Low Row Machine vs Close Grip Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 sessions vs 132. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Low Row Machine and Close Grip Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Low Row Machine vs Close Grip Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 sessions compared to 132 for Close Grip Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Low Row Machine and Close Grip Lat 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 Close Grip Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Low Row Machine | Close Grip Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,102 sessions | 132 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 Close Grip Lat Pulldown
Close Grip Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Bend your elbows and pull the bar towards your chest.
- 2. After contracting your latissimus dorsi, slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Make sure your elbows do not fully lock out.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to excessively arch your back.
- 2. Relax your shoulders and proceed without tensing them up.
- 3. Maintain the correct posture with an appropriate weight.
For a full Close Grip Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Low Row Machine or Close Grip Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 sessions against 132 for Close Grip Lat Pulldown. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Low Row Machine and Close Grip Lat Pulldown need?
Low Row Machine needs a machine, and Close Grip Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Low Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Lat Pulldown once your form holds up.
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