Pull Up vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions vs 4,545. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pull Up and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pull Up vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pull Up and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Pull Up | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a pull-up bar | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,437 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pull Up or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. 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 High Row Machine need?
Pull Up needs a pull-up bar, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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