Ring High Row vs Bench Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Bench Pull Up is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Ring High Row and Bench Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Ring High Row vs Bench Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Bench Pull Up more often — 53 sessions compared to 47 for Ring High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Ring High Row and Bench Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Ring High Row and Bench Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Ring High Row | Bench Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 47 sessions | 53 sessions |
How to Do Ring High Row
Ring High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Pull until your chest touches the ring.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.
For a full Ring High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Ring High Row exercise guide.
How to Do Bench Pull Up
Bench Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms.
- 3. With your chest relaxed, slowly return to the starting position.
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 Bench Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Bench Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Ring High Row or Bench Pull Up?
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 Ring High Row and Bench Pull Up need?
Ring High Row needs bodyweight only, and Bench Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Bench Pull Up is the easier place to start. Move to Ring High Row once your form holds up.
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