Standing Cable Row vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Standing Cable Row and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Standing Cable Row vs Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown more often — 917 sessions compared to 657 for Standing Cable Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Standing Cable Row and Close Grip Cable 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 Standing Cable Row and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Standing Cable Row | Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 657 sessions | 917 sessions |
How to Do Standing Cable Row
Standing Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull until the grip touches your abdomen.
- 3. Return to the starting position by straightening your back and fully extending your elbows.
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.
- 3. Please stabilize your waist so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Standing Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Standing Cable Row exercise guide.
How to Do Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lower your elbows while facing forward.
- 2. Pull the bar until it touches your collarbone.
- 3. Slowly raise your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise up.
For a full Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Standing Cable Row or Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown?
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 Standing Cable Row and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown need?
Standing Cable Row needs a machine, and Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Cable Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Standing Cable Row once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
