Barbell Row vs T-Bar Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 3,618. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and T-Bar Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs T-Bar 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 3,618 for T-Bar Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | T-Bar Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 3,618 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 T-Bar Row
T-Bar Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Maintain an open chest position and slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Open your chest and brace your abs to keep your torso stable, making sure your lower back does not round.
- 2. Using momentum can strain your lower back, so perform the movement slowly and in a controlled manner.
For a full T-Bar Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or T-Bar Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 3,618 for T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and T-Bar Row needs a machine.
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