Pull Up vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions vs 1,311. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pull Up and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pull Up vs Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown: 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 1,311 for Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pull Up and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Pull Up | Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a pull-up bar | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,437 sessions | 1,311 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until the bar touches your sternum.
- 3. Slowly raise your arms and return to the starting 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.
For a full Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pull Up or Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions against 1,311 for Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown. 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 Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown need?
Pull Up needs a pull-up bar, and Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Underhand Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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