High Row Machine vs Pendlay Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 344. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of High Row Machine and Pendlay Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
High Row Machine vs Pendlay Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions compared to 344 for Pendlay Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. High Row Machine and Pendlay Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How High Row Machine and Pendlay Row Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Pendlay Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 344 sessions |
How to Do High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Pendlay Row
Pendlay Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with your back strength and lower it completely to the ground.
Coach's Tips
- 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.
For a full Pendlay Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pendlay Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Pendlay Row?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 344 for Pendlay Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do High Row Machine and Pendlay Row need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Pendlay Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pendlay Row once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
