Band Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Band Row more often — 948 sessions vs 455. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Band Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Band Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Band Row more often — 948 sessions compared to 455 for Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Band Row and Underhand Smith Machine 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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Band Row | Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a resistance band | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 948 sessions | 455 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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While holding the weight with your back strength, 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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Band Row or Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Band Row more often — 948 sessions against 455 for Underhand Smith Machine Barbell 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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Band Row needs a resistance band, and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Row is the easier place to start. Move to Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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