Wide Pulldown Machine vs Close Grip Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,807 sessions vs 44. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Wide Pulldown Machine and Close Grip Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Wide Pulldown Machine vs Close Grip Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,807 sessions compared to 44 for Close Grip Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Wide Pulldown Machine and Close Grip Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Wide Pulldown Machine and Close Grip Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Wide Pulldown Machine | Close Grip Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 7,807 sessions | 44 sessions |
How to Do Wide Pulldown Machine
Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your lower back doesn't round.
For a full Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Pull Up
Close Grip Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the bar with a narrow grip and spread your hands shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Pull your arms to bring your chest close to the bar.
- 3. Slowly extend your arms and return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Close Grip Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Wide Pulldown Machine or Close Grip Pull Up?
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,807 sessions against 44 for Close Grip Pull Up. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Wide Pulldown Machine and Close Grip Pull Up need?
Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine, and Close Grip Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Pull Up once your form holds up.
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