Barbell Row vs Seated Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Seated Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Seated 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 16,586 for Seated Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Seated 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 Seated Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Seated Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 16,586 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 Machine
Seated Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 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 waist.
For a full Seated Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Seated Row Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Row and Seated Row Machine need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Seated Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
