Seated Row Machine vs Pull Up
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Seated Row Machine and Pull Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Seated Row Machine vs Pull Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions compared to 15,437 for Pull Up.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Seated Row Machine and Pull Up differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Seated Row Machine and Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 15,437 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Seated Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Pull Up
Pull Up muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest relaxed.
Coach's Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pull Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pull Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or 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 Seated Row Machine and Pull Up need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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