Seated Row Machine vs High Row Machine

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 4,545. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

Seated Row Machine vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ

What differsSeated Row MachineHigh Row Machine
Machine typepin-loadedplate-loaded
Difficulty1 of 53 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users16,586 sessions4,545 sessions

Related comparisons

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

How to Do Seated Row Machine

Seated Row Machine demo video

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 Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Seated Row Machine?Exercise Guide

How to Do High Row Machine

High Row Machine demo video

High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
  2. 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
  3. 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

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

For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.

Want to learn more about High Row Machine?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or High Row Machine?

Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. 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 High Row Machine need?

Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.

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