Seated Row Machine vs Band Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 948. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Band Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Band Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions compared to 948 for Band Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Band 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 Row Machine and Band Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Band Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 948 sessions |
How to Do Seated Row Machine
Seated Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 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 waist.
For a full Seated Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Band Row
Band Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the band sideways so it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Using the strength of 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 overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Band Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Band Row?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 948 for Band 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 Row Machine and Band Row need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Band Row needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Band Row once your form holds up.
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