Barbell Row vs T-Bar Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 4,322. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and T-Bar Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs T-Bar 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 4,322 for T-Bar Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | T-Bar Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 4,322 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 Machine
T-Bar Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, pull your arms back naturally.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Keep your chest open and slowly extend your arms.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist.
For a full T-Bar Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or T-Bar Row Machine?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 4,322 for T-Bar Row Machine. 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 Machine need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and T-Bar Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
T-Bar 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.
