Barbell Row vs One Arm Machine Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 8,631. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and One Arm Machine Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs One Arm Machine 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 8,631 for One Arm Machine Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and One Arm Machine 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | One Arm Machine Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 8,631 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row
One Arm Machine Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 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 prevent your back from rounding.
For a full One Arm Machine Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Machine Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or One Arm Machine Seated Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 8,631 for One Arm Machine 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and One Arm Machine Seated Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
One Arm Machine Seated Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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