Barbell Row vs Seated Row Machine

Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan

Feb 22, 2025

Contents

Unsure whether to go for Barbell Row or Seated Row Machine in your back workout? Wondering which one tops the other or the right time to tackle each for optimal outcomes?

Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Barbell Row and Seated Row Machine for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Barbell Row vs Seated Row Machine : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users seem to prefer Barbell Row with a total of 18910 compared to 16586 for Seated Row Machine

However, this is just a matter of preference for the majority. If you are wondering which of the two exercises to do right away, please read the text below. Compare the pros and cons of each exercise and choose the one that suits you better to proceed with.

How to Barbell Row

Barbell Row gif

Barbell Row muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Initiate the movement by driving your elbows up and back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  2. 2. Keep your torso stable and maintain a flat back throughout the exercise.
  3. 3. Pull the barbell up to just below your chest, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  4. 4. Lower the barbell back to the starting position under control.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the movement to avoid any lower back pain.
  2. 2. Avoid swinging the barbell or using momentum to lift the weight.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Barbell Row methods?

How to Seated Row Machine

Seated Row Machine gif

Seated Row Machine muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Start the exercise by pulling the handles of the machine back towards your chest.
  2. 2. Keep your back straight and make sure your elbows are tucked in close to your body.
  3. 3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you pull the handles back.
  4. 4. Slowly return the handles to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Make sure to keep your back straight and not to arch your back.
  2. 2. Avoid using momentum to swing the handles back and forth.
  3. 3. Do not overextend your arms as you pull the handles back.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Seated Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Row Machine Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Seated Row Machine methods?

Get free AI personalized workout plan

Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.

To create a routine that incorporates the right exercises for you, explore our [workout generator] It’s a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

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