Wide Pulldown Machine vs Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,807 sessions vs 296. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Wide Pulldown Machine and Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Wide Pulldown Machine vs Seated Row: 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 296 for Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Wide Pulldown Machine and Seated Row 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 Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Wide Pulldown Machine | Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 7,807 sessions | 296 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 Seated Row
Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your elbow to brush past your side.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining strength in your back.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Wide Pulldown Machine or Seated Row?
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,807 sessions against 296 for Seated Row. 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 Seated Row need?
Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine, and Seated Row needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Row once your form holds up.
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