Barbell Row vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 4,545. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return 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 bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. 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 High Row Machine need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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