Close Grip T-bar Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
- • Planfit Users' Choice about Close Grip T-bar Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row : Which is Better?
- • How Close Grip T-bar Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
- • Related comparisons
- • Frequently Asked Questions
- • How to Close Grip T-bar Row
- • How to Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
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 Close Grip T-bar Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Close Grip T-bar Row | Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 543 sessions | 455 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 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Close Grip T-bar Row or Underhand Smith Machine Barbell 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 Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Close Grip T-bar Row needs a machine, and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell 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
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
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.

