Incline Row vs Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,911 sessions vs 4,037. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Incline Row and Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Incline Row vs Barbell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,911 sessions compared to 4,037 for Incline Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Row and Barbell Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Incline Row and Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Incline Row | Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,037 sessions | 18,911 sessions |
How to Do Incline Row
Incline Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull until your elbow forms a right angle.
- 2. Move your forearm vertically while fully extending your elbow to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to let your arms swing forward or backward.
- 2. Focus on pulling with the muscles on the sides of your back so that your shoulders do not shrug upward.
- 3. When lowering, resist the weight of the dumbbells and lower them slowly so that your arms do not drop.
For a full Incline Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Row exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Row
Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Incline Row or Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,911 sessions against 4,037 for Incline Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Incline Row and Barbell Row need?
Incline Row needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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