Barbell Row vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 4,483. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Smith Machine Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Smith Machine Barbell 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 4,483 for Smith Machine Barbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Smith Machine Barbell 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 4,483 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row
Smith Machine Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the bar towards your belly button.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with the strength of your back and 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 overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Smith Machine Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Barbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Smith Machine Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 4,483 for Smith Machine 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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