Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions vs 3,618. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Cable Row vs T-Bar Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions compared to 3,618 for T-Bar Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Cable Row | T-Bar Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 52,786 sessions | 3,618 sessions |
How to Do Seated Cable Row
Seated Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your back.
- 3. Please stabilize your back so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Seated Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Cable Row exercise guide.
How to Do T-Bar Row
T-Bar Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Maintain an open chest position and slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Open your chest and brace your abs to keep your torso stable, making sure your lower back does not round.
- 2. Using momentum can strain your lower back, so perform the movement slowly and in a controlled manner.
For a full T-Bar Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Cable Row or T-Bar Row?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 3,618 for T-Bar Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Seated Cable Row and T-Bar Row need?
Seated Cable Row needs a machine, and T-Bar Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to T-Bar Row once your form holds up.
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