Close Grip T-bar Row vs Cable High Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Cable High Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Close Grip T-bar Row and Cable High Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Close Grip T-bar Row vs Cable High Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable High Row more often — 651 sessions compared to 543 for Close Grip T-bar Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Close Grip T-bar Row and Cable High Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Close Grip T-bar Row and Cable High Row Differ
| What differs | Close Grip T-bar Row | Cable High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 543 sessions | 651 sessions |
How to Close Grip T-bar Row
Close Grip T-bar Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows until they reach your sides.
- 3. While keeping your chest open, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- Please keep your chest up to avoid slouching your back.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip T-bar Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip T-bar Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Cable High Row
Cable High Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the handle from the high position of the cable machine.
- 2. Pull your arms back and stabilize your upper body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Cable High Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Cable High Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Close Grip T-bar Row or Cable High Row?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Close Grip T-bar Row and Cable High Row need?
Close Grip T-bar Row needs a machine, and Cable High Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable High Row is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip T-bar Row once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

