Rack Pull vs Lat Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Rack Pull and Lat Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Rack Pull vs Lat Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions compared to 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Rack Pull and Lat Pulldown 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 Lat Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Rack Pull | Lat Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 766 sessions | 2,913 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 Lat Pulldown Machine
Lat Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the grip up to the collarbone position.
- 4. 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 along with it.
For a full Lat Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lat Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Rack Pull or Lat Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Lat Pulldown Machine more often — 2,913 sessions against 766 for Rack Pull. 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 Lat Pulldown Machine need?
Rack Pull needs a barbell, and Lat Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
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