Close Grip T-bar Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Close Grip T-bar Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip T-bar Row more often — 543 sessions compared to 455 for Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Close Grip T-bar Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While holding the weight with your back strength, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
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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.

