Seated Row Machine vs Incline Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 4,137. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Incline Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Incline 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 4,137 for Incline Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Incline 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 Incline Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Incline Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 4,137 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 Incline Row
Incline Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull until your elbow forms a right angle.
- 2. Move your forearm vertically while fully extending your elbow to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Be careful not to let your arms swing forward or backward.
- 2. Focus on pulling with the muscles on the sides of your back so that your shoulders do not shrug upward.
- 3. When lowering, resist the weight of the dumbbells and lower them slowly so that your arms do not drop.
For a full Incline Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Incline Row?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 4,137 for Incline 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 Incline Row need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Incline Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Row once your form holds up.
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