T-Bar Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions vs 3,618. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of T-Bar Row and Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

T-Bar 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 3,618 for T-Bar Row.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row and Wide Pulldown Machine Differ

What differsT-Bar RowWide Pulldown Machine
Difficulty4 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users3,618 sessions7,817 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether T-Bar Row or Wide Pulldown Machine fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do T-Bar Row

T-Bar Row demo video

T-Bar Row Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
  2. 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
  3. 3. Maintain an open chest position and slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Open your chest and brace your abs to keep your torso stable, making sure your lower back does not round.
  2. 2. Using momentum can strain your lower back, so perform the movement slowly and in a controlled manner.

For a full T-Bar Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row exercise guide.

Want to learn more about T-Bar Row?Exercise Guide

How to Do Wide Pulldown Machine

Wide Pulldown Machine demo video

Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
  2. 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
  3. 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Wide Pulldown Machine?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, T-Bar Row or Wide Pulldown Machine?

Planfit users log Wide Pulldown Machine more often — 7,817 sessions against 3,618 for T-Bar Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do T-Bar Row and Wide Pulldown Machine need?

T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row once your form holds up.

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