Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Superman Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions vs 2,116. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Barbell Row and Superman Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Smith Machine Barbell Row vs Superman 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 2,116 for Superman Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Barbell Row and Superman 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 Superman Row Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Barbell Row | Superman Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,483 sessions | 2,116 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 Superman Row
Superman Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lift your chest and head while pulling your arms towards your collarbone.
- 2. Extend your arms forward and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please be careful not to strain and lift your upper body.
For a full Superman Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Superman Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Smith Machine Barbell Row or Superman Row?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Barbell Row more often — 4,483 sessions against 2,116 for Superman 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 Superman Row need?
Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine, and Superman Row needs bodyweight only.
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