Close Grip T-bar Row vs Standing Cable Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Close Grip T-bar Row vs Standing Cable Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Standing Cable Row more often — 657 sessions compared to 543 for Close Grip T-bar Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Close Grip T-bar Row and Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Close Grip T-bar Row | Standing Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 543 sessions | 657 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 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Standing Cable Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Standing Cable Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Close Grip T-bar Row or Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row need?
Close Grip T-bar Row needs a machine, and Standing Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Standing Cable 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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