Low Row Machine vs Rack Pull

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Low Row Machine and Rack Pull and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

Low Row Machine vs Rack Pull: 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 766 for Rack Pull.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Low Row Machine 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 Low Row Machine and Rack Pull Differ

What differsLow Row MachineRack Pull
Equipmenta machinea barbell
Difficulty3 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users3,102 sessions766 sessions

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Not sure whether Low Row Machine or Rack Pull fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Low Row Machine

Low Row Machine demo video

Low Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
  2. 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
  3. 3. While maintaining an open chest, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Low Row Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do Rack Pull

Rack Pull demo video

Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
  2. 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
  3. 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
  3. 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.

Want to learn more about Rack Pull?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Low Row Machine or Rack Pull?

Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 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 Low Row Machine and Rack Pull need?

Low Row Machine needs a machine, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Low Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.

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