Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions compared to 4,483 for Smith Machine Barbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row and Wide Pulldown Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Barbell Row and Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Smith-machine | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 7,817 sessions |
How to Do Smith Machine Barbell Row
Smith Machine Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the bar towards your belly button.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with the strength of your back and lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Smith Machine Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Barbell Row exercise guide.
How to Do Wide Pulldown Machine
Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your lower back doesn't round.
For a full Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Smith Machine Barbell Row or Wide Pulldown Machine?
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 Smith Machine Barbell Row and Wide Pulldown Machine need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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