Seated Row Machine vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Seated Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Seated Row Machine vs Smith Machine Barbell Row : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Seated Row Machine and Smith Machine Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, 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 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 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!
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
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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