Best Machines for Building a Bigger Back: Lat Pulldown vs Seated Row

Every gym owner finds themselves at a crossroads when they have to choose between lat pulldown and seated row machines as a back machine option. These two are the most common back machines in a gym and also the ones that are often mistaken as being used for similar exercises, but in reality, they are complementary equipment. Today's guide helps you break down what each of these machines actually does and when you can prioritise one of these options over the other.

To begin with a quick answer, a lat pulldown machine builds back width through a vertical pulling motion as it targets the lats, while a seated row machine builds thickness through a horizontal pulling motion because it targets the mid-back and rhomboid muscles. That's why, ideally, these machines are seen as complementary rather than interchangeable options.

How the Lat Pulldown Works

Even though both lat pulldown and a seated row machine are used for targeting the back muscles, they work differently.

A lat pulldown machine primarily uses a vertical pull in which you draw the bar down towards your chest from an overhead position. It helps to target the lats in particular and the biceps as a secondary mover. The grip position is wide and close, which shifts the emphasis slightly, but the movement pattern remains the same.

Among the lat pulldown machine benefits is its controlled and guided motion that helps to build the V-taper look, which most lifters look forward to achieving with a wide back.

How the Seated Row Works

To understand the comparison between lat pulldown vs. seated row machine, next up we are going to see how the seated row works.

The seated row machine benefits are different from those of a lat pulldown because it uses a horizontal pull. In this machine, you draw the handle back towards your torso while being seated and keeping your spine upright. This type of motion primarily targets the mid-back and rhomboid muscles, with rear delts as secondary movers.

The change in handle variations and positioning alters the focus and affects the core pulling pattern. This machine directly helps in achieving back thickness and depth, which makes it the best back machine for muscle-building routines.

Lat Pulldown vs Seated Row: Side-by-Side

To help you understand the lat pulldown vs seated row machine differences, below is a side-by-side comparison of these machines.

Which One Should Beginners Do First

Both these machines are beginner-friendly and a safe starting point in comparison to free-weight row workouts and pull-up bars. The guided motion controls the range and reduces form errors, which makes them the perfect back workout machines for beginners.

When it comes to finding which one of these is more beginner-friendly, there is no wrong choice because starting with any of these machines will be equally safe for beginners, and it all depends on what feels more comfortable for you and what you can stay consistent with. The goal is not picking a favourite but creating a habit that helps you balance width with thickness by pulling in both directions.

Should You Do Both in the Same Workout?

Yes, you can target upper back muscles, work on posture correction, and target muscles like lats and rhomboids by combining both of these workout machines. Instead of following the back thickness vs. back width essentialism bandwagon, focus on building by combining the vertical and horizontal pull offered by these two machines. 

Combining these machines into one workout helps you get a balanced back development routine. You don't need any workout routine to get the benefits from these machines; you only need a balance between vertical and horizontal movement patterns. 

What to Look for When Buying These Machines (For Gym Owners)

For commercial buyers, there are a few key qualities that are worth considering: a sturdy frame designed to handle everyday, high-use conditions, an adjustable seat and pad height to accommodate different user heights, and sufficient weight stack capacity for progressive overload. 

Space efficiency is another important factor. A single-station machine can work well in smaller spaces, while a dual-station machine allows you to offer both movements within less floor space. 

Energie Fitness offers both single-station and dual-station equipment designed with the needs of commercial gym facilities in mind. 

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q. Is lat pulldown or seated row better for back width?

Ans. Among a lat pulldown vs. seated row machine, a lat pulldown machine is better for back width because it uses a vertical pull that targets the lats and creates the V-taper look.

Q. Does seated row build back thickness?

Ans. Yes, a seated row machine builds back thickness, as the horizontal movement emphasizes the mid-back and rhomboid muscles, alongside adding thickness and depth.

Q. Can beginners use lat pulldown and seated row machines safely?

Ans. Yes, beginners can use both lat pulldown and seated row machines safely because these machines offer guided and controlled motion, which gives strength training workouts a perfect start.

Q. Should I do lat pulldown and seated row on the same day?

Ans. Yes, both of these workout machines can be used on the same day for training back width and thickness and for balanced development.

Q. Which machine is better for posture correction, lat pulldown or seated row?

Ans. A seated row machine is better for posture correction because it strengthens the mid-back and rear delts, which counter forward shoulder posture.

Conclusion 

The bottom line is that the lat pulldown machine builds back width, while a seated row machine is good for back thickness. Therefore, instead of falling into the lat pulldown versus seated row debate, it is always better to use both machines for a more balanced back workout routine.

Add these machines to your setup, and in order to find the right dual or single station that fits your space, check out the Energie Fitness commercial station collection.