Seated Row Machine vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 4,483. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Row Machine vs Smith Machine Barbell 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 4,483 for Smith Machine Barbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | pin-loaded | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 4,483 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row
Smith Machine Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the bar towards your belly button.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with the strength of your back and 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Barbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Smith Machine Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 4,483 for Smith Machine Barbell 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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