T-Bar Row Machine 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 T-Bar Row Machine and Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
T-Bar Row Machine 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 4,322 for T-Bar Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. T-Bar Row Machine 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 T-Bar Row Machine and Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | T-Bar Row Machine | Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,322 sessions | 7,817 sessions |
How to Do T-Bar Row Machine
T-Bar Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, pull your arms back naturally.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Keep your chest open and slowly extend your arms.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist.
For a full T-Bar Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row Machine 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, T-Bar Row Machine 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 T-Bar Row Machine and Wide Pulldown Machine need?
T-Bar Row Machine 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 T-Bar Row Machine once your form holds up.
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