Band Row vs Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 948. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Band Row and Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Band Row vs Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 948 for Band Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Band Row and Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Band Row and Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Band Row | Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a resistance band | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 948 sessions | 18,910 sessions |
How to Band Row
Band Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the band sideways so it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Using the strength of your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Band Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Band Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Row
Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Band Row or Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 948 for Band Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Band Row and Barbell Row need?
Band Row needs a resistance band, and Barbell Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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