Seated Row Machine vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Kettlebell 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 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 127 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 Kettlebell Row
Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please hold the kettlebell with both hands while leaning your upper body forward.
- 2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows back to lift the kettlebell.
- 3. Raise it until your elbows are vertical, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 127 for Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Row need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Row once your form holds up.
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