Barbell Row vs Hammer Strength Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 826. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Hammer Strength Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Hammer Strength Seated 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 826 for Hammer Strength Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Hammer Strength Seated 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 Hammer Strength Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Hammer Strength Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 826 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 Hammer Strength Seated Row
Hammer Strength Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Sit on the machine and grab the handle.
- 2. Pull your elbows back and draw the handle towards your body.
- 3. Slowly return the handle to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.
For a full Hammer Strength Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hammer Strength Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Hammer Strength Seated Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 826 for Hammer Strength Seated 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 Hammer Strength Seated Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Hammer Strength Seated Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Hammer Strength Seated Row once your form holds up.
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