Smith Machine Barbell Row vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Smith Machine Barbell Row and High Row Machine are close in use — 4,545 vs 4,483 sessions logged. What separates them is Back loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs High Row Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions compared to 4,483 for Smith Machine Barbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Smith-machine | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
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 High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Smith Machine Barbell Row or High Row Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Smith Machine Barbell Row and High Row Machine need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
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