Barbell Row vs Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Row uses a barbell, Seated Row uses bodyweight only — same Back target, different setup and load path.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs 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 296 for Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and 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 Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 296 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 Row
Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your elbow to brush past your side.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining strength in your back.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Seated Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 296 for 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 Seated Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Seated Row needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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