Back Extension Machine vs Standing Cable Row

Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan

Contents

Standing Cable Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.

Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Back Extension Machine and Standing Cable Row for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Back Extension Machine vs Standing Cable Row : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Standing Cable Row more often — 657 sessions compared to 334 for Back Extension Machine.

Popularity is not the whole answer. Back Extension Machine and Standing Cable Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Back Extension Machine and Standing Cable Row Differ

What differsBack Extension MachineStanding Cable Row
Machine typepin-loadedcable-driven
Difficulty5 of 52 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users334 sessions657 sessions

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How to Back Extension Machine

Back Extension Machine gif

Back Extension Machine muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Please push the equipment using your core strength.
  2. 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining core strength to avoid bending your waist.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lose tension in your core throughout the exercise.
  2. 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.

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

Do you want to know more about Back Extension Machine methods?Exercise Guide

How to Standing Cable Row

Standing Cable Row gif

Standing Cable Row muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
  2. 2. Pull until the grip touches your abdomen.
  3. 3. Return to the starting position by straightening your back and fully extending your elbows.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
  3. 3. Please stabilize your waist so it doesn't move back and forth.

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

Do you want to know more about Standing Cable Row methods?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Back Extension Machine or Standing Cable Row?

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 Back Extension Machine and Standing Cable Row need?

Back Extension Machine needs a machine, and Standing Cable Row needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Standing Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to Back Extension Machine once your form holds up.

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