Pull Up vs Bench Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions vs 53. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pull Up and Bench Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pull Up vs Bench Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions compared to 53 for Bench Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pull Up and Bench 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 Pull Up and Bench Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Pull Up | Bench Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,437 sessions | 53 sessions |
How to Do Pull Up
Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest relaxed.
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 Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pull Up exercise guide.
How to Do Bench Pull Up
Bench Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms.
- 3. With your chest relaxed, slowly return to the starting 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 Bench Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bench Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pull Up or Bench Pull Up?
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions against 53 for Bench 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 Pull Up and Bench Pull Up need?
Pull Up needs a pull-up bar, and Bench Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Bench Pull Up is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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