Renegade Row vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 124. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Renegade Row and Smith Machine Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Renegade Row 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 124 for Renegade Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Renegade Row 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 Renegade Row and Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Renegade Row | Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 124 sessions | 4,483 sessions |
How to Do Renegade Row
Renegade Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell alternately with both arms.
- 2. Raise it until your elbows are vertical.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out excessively.
- 2. Please maintain core strength to prevent your back from bending.
For a full Renegade Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Renegade Row 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, Renegade Row or Smith Machine Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions against 124 for Renegade Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Renegade Row and Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Renegade Row needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Renegade Row once your form holds up.
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