Rack Pull vs Prone A Raise
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Prone A Raise is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Rack Pull and Prone A Raise and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Rack Pull vs Prone A Raise: 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 565 for Prone A Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Rack Pull and Prone A Raise 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 Prone A Raise Differ
| What differs | Rack Pull | Prone A Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 766 sessions | 565 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 Prone A Raise
Prone A Raise Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Fold your wings and raise your arms.
- 2. Slowly lower your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to raise your trapezius muscles.
For a full Prone A Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Prone A Raise exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Rack Pull or Prone A Raise?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Rack Pull and Prone A Raise need?
Rack Pull needs a barbell, and Prone A Raise needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Prone A Raise is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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