Barbell Row vs Hanging
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 486. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Hanging and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Hanging: 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 486 for Hanging.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Hanging 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 Hanging Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Hanging |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 486 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 Hanging
Hanging Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the bar with both hands and hang.
- 2. Stretch your arms and elongate your upper body.
- 3. Hold for a certain amount of time and breathe.
Coach's Tips
- Be careful not to strain your wrists and shoulders when hanging.
For a full Hanging guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hanging exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Hanging?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 486 for Hanging. 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 Hanging need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Hanging needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Hanging is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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