Low Row Machine vs Pendlay Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 sessions vs 344. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Low Row Machine and Pendlay Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Low Row Machine vs Pendlay Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 sessions compared to 344 for Pendlay Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Low 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 Low Row Machine and Pendlay Row Differ
| What differs | Low Row Machine | Pendlay Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,102 sessions | 344 sessions |
How to Do Low Row Machine
Low Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. While maintaining an open chest, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest out to avoid slouching your back.
For a full Low Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Low 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, Low Row Machine or Pendlay Row?
Planfit users log Low Row Machine more often — 3,102 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 Low Row Machine and Pendlay Row need?
Low Row Machine needs a machine, and Pendlay Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Low Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pendlay Row once your form holds up.
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