Pull Up vs High Row Machine
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Pull Up and High Row Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Pull Up vs High Row Machine : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Pull Up and High Row Machine differ in the muscles they load, 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 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pull Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pull Up Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to High Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the High Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
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.
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.

