Low Row Machine vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Low Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row are close in use — 4,483 vs 3,102 sessions logged. What separates them is Back loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Low Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Low Row Machine vs Smith Machine Barbell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions compared to 3,102 for Low Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Low Row Machine and Smith Machine 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 Low Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Low Row Machine | Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,102 sessions | 4,483 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row
Smith Machine Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the bar towards your belly button.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with the strength of your back and 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 overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Smith Machine Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Barbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Low Row Machine or Smith Machine Barbell Row?
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 Low Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Low Row Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
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