Seated Row Machine vs Arm Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Seated Row Machine works multiple joints at once, Arm Pulldown isolates — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Back day.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Arm Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Arm Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions compared to 16,586 for Seated Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Arm Pulldown differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Seated Row Machine and Arm Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Arm Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, traps, and biceps | back and triceps |
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 34,261 sessions |
How to Do Seated Row Machine
Seated Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full Seated Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Arm Pulldown
Arm Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Squeeze your armpits and pull the bar towards your body.
- 2. Slowly raise it back up to shoulder level.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to raise your arms above shoulder level.
- 3. Please be careful not to elevate your trapezius muscles.
For a full Arm Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arm Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Arm Pulldown?
Planfit users log Arm Pulldown more often — 34,261 sessions against 16,586 for Seated Row Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Seated Row Machine and Arm Pulldown work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Row Machine loads back, traps, and biceps, and Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps.
What equipment do Seated Row Machine and Arm Pulldown need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Arm Pulldown needs a machine.
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