Rack Pull vs Wide Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Rack Pull and Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Rack Pull vs Wide Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions compared to 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Rack Pull and Wide 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 Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Rack Pull | Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 766 sessions | 7,817 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 Wide Pulldown Machine
Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your lower back doesn't round.
For a full Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Rack Pull or Wide Pulldown Machine?
Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 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 Wide Pulldown Machine need?
Rack Pull needs a barbell, and Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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