Seated Row Machine vs Back Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Back Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Back Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Back Lat 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 Back Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Back Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 1,569 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 Back Lat Pulldown
Back Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the bar behind your head.
- 4. Slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful as fully extending your shoulders and arms may put strain on your shoulders.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 3. If you feel discomfort in your shoulders, please adjust the width of your grip on the bar.
For a full Back Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Back Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Back Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Seated Row Machine and Back Lat Pulldown need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
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