Pendlay Row vs Rack Pull
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions vs 344. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Pendlay Row and Rack Pull for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Pendlay Row vs Rack Pull : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions compared to 344 for Pendlay Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Pendlay Row and Rack Pull differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pendlay Row and Rack Pull Differ
| What differs | Pendlay Row | Rack Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 344 sessions | 766 sessions |
How to Pendlay Row
Pendlay Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with your back strength and lower it completely to the ground.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pendlay Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pendlay Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Rack Pull
Rack Pull muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Rack Pull, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Rack Pull Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pendlay Row or Rack Pull?
Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions against 344 for Pendlay Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Pendlay Row and Rack Pull need?
Pendlay Row needs a barbell, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

