Seated Row Machine vs Barbell Row

Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan

Contents

Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.

Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Seated Row Machine and Barbell Row for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Seated Row Machine vs Barbell Row : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 16,586 for Seated Row Machine.

Popularity is not the whole answer. Seated Row Machine and Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

Not sure whether Seated Row Machine or Barbell Row fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Seated Row Machine

Seated Row Machine gif

Seated Row Machine muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
  2. 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
  3. 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Seated Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Row Machine Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Seated Row Machine methods?

How to Barbell Row

Barbell Row gif

Barbell Row muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
  2. 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
  3. 3. While supporting the weight with your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to let your back be too upright or move up and down.
  3. 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Barbell Row methods?

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