Pendlay Row vs Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,911 sessions vs 344. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pendlay Row and Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pendlay Row vs Barbell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,911 sessions compared to 344 for Pendlay Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pendlay Row and 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 Pendlay Row and Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Pendlay Row | Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 344 sessions | 18,911 sessions |
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.
How to Do Barbell Row
Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back, 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 let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pendlay Row or Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,911 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 Pendlay Row and Barbell Row need?
Pendlay Row needs a barbell, and Barbell Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pendlay Row once your form holds up.
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