Inverted Row vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions vs 439. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Inverted Row and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Inverted 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 439 for Inverted Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Inverted 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 Inverted Row and High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Inverted Row | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, chest, and biceps | back, traps, and biceps |
| Machine type | Smith-machine | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 439 sessions | 4,545 sessions |
How to Do Inverted Row
Inverted Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. While keeping your body in a straight line, slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to let the bar of the Smith machine come loose.
- 2. Engage your abs to keep your body in a straight line, making sure your lower back does not arch and your hips do not sag downward.
For a full Inverted Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Inverted 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, Inverted Row or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions against 439 for Inverted Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Inverted Row and High Row Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Inverted Row loads back, chest, and biceps, and High Row Machine loads back, traps, and biceps.
What equipment do Inverted Row and High Row Machine need?
Inverted Row needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
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