Barbell Row vs Cable High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 651. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Cable High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Cable High Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 651 for Cable High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Cable High Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Row and Cable High Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Cable High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 651 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Row exercise guide.
How to Do Cable High Row
Cable High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the handle from the high position of the cable machine.
- 2. Pull your arms back and stabilize your upper body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
For a full Cable High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Cable High Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 651 for Cable High Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Row and Cable High Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Cable High Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable High Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
