Barbell Row vs Seated Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions vs 18,910. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Seated Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Seated Cable Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions compared to 18,910 for Barbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Seated Cable 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 Seated Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Seated Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 52,786 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 Seated Cable Row
Seated Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your back.
- 3. Please stabilize your back so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Seated Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Seated Cable Row?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 18,910 for Barbell 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 Seated Cable Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Seated Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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