T-Bar Row Machine vs Pendlay Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log T-Bar Row Machine more often — 4,322 sessions vs 344. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of T-Bar Row Machine and Pendlay Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
T-Bar Row Machine vs Pendlay Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log T-Bar Row Machine more often — 4,322 sessions compared to 344 for Pendlay Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. T-Bar Row Machine and Pendlay Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How T-Bar Row Machine and Pendlay Row Differ
| What differs | T-Bar Row Machine | Pendlay Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,322 sessions | 344 sessions |
How to Do T-Bar Row Machine
T-Bar Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, pull your arms back naturally.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Keep your chest open and slowly extend your arms.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist.
For a full T-Bar Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Pendlay Row
Pendlay Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with your back strength and lower it completely to the ground.
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 Pendlay Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pendlay Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, T-Bar Row Machine or Pendlay Row?
Planfit users log T-Bar Row Machine more often — 4,322 sessions against 344 for Pendlay Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do T-Bar Row Machine and Pendlay Row need?
T-Bar Row Machine needs a machine, and Pendlay Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
T-Bar Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Pendlay Row once your form holds up.
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