Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Kettlebell 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 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row and Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 127 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 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, Smith Machine Barbell Row or Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 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 Smith Machine Barbell Row and Kettlebell Row need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Barbell Row once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
