Pull Up vs Cable High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions vs 651. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pull Up and Cable High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pull Up vs Cable High Row: 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 651 for Cable High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pull Up and Cable High Row 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 Cable High Row Differ
| What differs | Pull Up | Cable High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a pull-up bar | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,437 sessions | 651 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 Cable High Row
Cable High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the handle from the high position of the cable machine.
- 2. Pull your arms back and stabilize your upper body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
For a full Cable High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pull Up or Cable High Row?
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions against 651 for Cable High Row. 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 Cable High Row need?
Pull Up needs a pull-up bar, and Cable High Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable High Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
