Incline Row vs T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Incline Row vs T-Bar Row Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log T-Bar Row Machine more often — 4,322 sessions compared to 4,037 for Incline Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Row and T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Incline Row | T-Bar Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,037 sessions | 4,322 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 T-Bar Row Machine
T-Bar Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, pull your arms back naturally.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Keep your chest open and slowly extend your arms.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist.
For a full T-Bar Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Incline Row or T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row Machine need?
Incline Row needs a dumbbell, and T-Bar Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Incline Row is the easier place to start. Move to T-Bar Row Machine once your form holds up.
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