Rack Pull vs Back Extension Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions vs 334. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Rack Pull and Back Extension Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Rack Pull vs Back Extension Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions compared to 334 for Back Extension Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Rack Pull and Back Extension Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Rack Pull and Back Extension Machine Differ
| What differs | Rack Pull | Back Extension Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 766 sessions | 334 sessions |
How to Do Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
How to Do Back Extension Machine
Back Extension Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please push the equipment using your core strength.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining core strength to avoid bending your waist.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose tension in your core throughout the exercise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.
For a full Back Extension Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Back Extension Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Rack Pull or Back Extension Machine?
Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions against 334 for Back Extension Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Rack Pull and Back Extension Machine need?
Rack Pull needs a barbell, and Back Extension Machine needs a machine.
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