Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Cable High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 651. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and Cable High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Cable High Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions compared to 651 for Cable High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row and Cable High Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Barbell Row and Cable High Row Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | Cable High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Smith-machine | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 651 sessions |
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.
How to Do Cable High Row
Cable High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the handle from the high position of the cable machine.
- 2. Pull your arms back and stabilize your upper body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
For a full Cable High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Smith Machine Barbell Row or Cable High Row?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions against 651 for Cable High Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Smith Machine Barbell Row and Cable High Row need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and Cable High Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Cable High Row is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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