Incline Row vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Incline Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Incline Row and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Incline Row vs High Row Machine: 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 4,037 for Incline Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Row and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Incline Row | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,037 sessions | 4,545 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Incline Row or High Row Machine?
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 Incline Row and High Row Machine need?
Incline Row needs a dumbbell, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Row is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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