Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Ring High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 47. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and Ring High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Ring 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 47 for Ring High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row and Ring 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 Ring High Row Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | Ring High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 47 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 Ring High Row
Ring High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Pull until your chest touches the ring.
- 3. Slowly 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 rounding your back.
For a full Ring High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Ring High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Smith Machine Barbell Row or Ring High Row?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions against 47 for Ring 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 Ring High Row need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and Ring High Row needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Ring High Row once your form holds up.
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