Seated Row Machine vs Rope Arm Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Seated Row Machine works multiple joints at once, Rope Arm Pulldown isolates — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Back day.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Rope Arm Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Rope Arm 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 2,393 for Rope Arm Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Rope 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 Rope Arm Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Rope 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 | 2,393 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 Rope Arm Pulldown
Rope Arm Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Squeeze your armpits and pull the rope towards your body.
- 2. Slowly raise it back up to shoulder level.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your arm.
- 2. Please be careful not to raise your arm higher than your shoulder.
- 3. Please be careful not to elevate your trapezius muscle.
For a full Rope Arm Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rope Arm Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Rope Arm Pulldown?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 2,393 for Rope Arm Pulldown. 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 Rope Arm Pulldown work the same muscles?
Not quite. Seated Row Machine loads back, traps, and biceps, and Rope Arm Pulldown loads back and triceps.
What equipment do Seated Row Machine and Rope Arm Pulldown need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Rope Arm Pulldown needs a machine.
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