Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Rack Pull
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and Rack Pull and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Rack Pull: 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 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row and Rack Pull 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 Rack Pull Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | Rack Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 766 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 Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
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 Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Smith Machine Barbell Row or Rack Pull?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions against 766 for Rack Pull. 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 Rack Pull need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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