Barbell Row vs Standing Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 657. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Standing Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Standing Cable 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 657 for Standing Cable Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Standing 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 Standing Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Standing Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 657 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 Standing Cable Row
Standing Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull until the grip touches your abdomen.
- 3. Return to the starting position by straightening your back and fully extending your elbows.
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.
- 3. Please stabilize your waist so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Standing Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Standing Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Standing Cable Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 657 for Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Standing Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Standing Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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