Pendlay Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Pendlay Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Pendlay Row vs Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 455 sessions compared to 344 for Pendlay Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Pendlay Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pendlay Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Pendlay Row | Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 344 sessions | 455 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pendlay Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pendlay Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While holding the weight with your back strength, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pendlay Row or Underhand 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 Pendlay Row and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Pendlay Row needs a barbell, and Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Underhand Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pendlay Row once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.
