Superman Row vs Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 2,116. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Superman Row and Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Superman Row vs Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 2,116 for Superman Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Superman Row and Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Superman Row and Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Superman Row | Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,116 sessions | 18,910 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- Please be careful not to strain and lift your upper body.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Superman Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Superman Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Row
Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Superman Row or Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 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 Superman Row and Barbell Row need?
Superman Row needs bodyweight only, and Barbell Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Superman Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

