Barbell Row vs Twist Superman
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 1,688. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Twist Superman and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Twist Superman: 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 1,688 for Twist Superman.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Twist Superman 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 Twist Superman Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Twist Superman |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 1,688 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 Twist Superman
Twist Superman Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lift your chest and feet while twisting your body to one side.
- 2. Return to the starting position and exercise the same way on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to strain and lift your upper body.
For a full Twist Superman guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Twist Superman exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Twist Superman?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 1,688 for Twist Superman. 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 Twist Superman need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Twist Superman needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Twist Superman 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.

