T-Bar Row vs Butterfly Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log T-Bar Row more often — 3,618 sessions vs 14. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of T-Bar Row and Butterfly Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
T-Bar Row vs Butterfly Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log T-Bar Row more often — 3,618 sessions compared to 14 for Butterfly Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. T-Bar Row and Butterfly Pull Up 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 and Butterfly Pull Up Differ
| What differs | T-Bar Row | Butterfly Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,618 sessions | 14 sessions |
How to Do T-Bar Row
T-Bar Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Maintain an open chest position and slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Open your chest and brace your abs to keep your torso stable, making sure your lower back does not round.
- 2. Using momentum can strain your lower back, so perform the movement slowly and in a controlled manner.
For a full T-Bar Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row exercise guide.
How to Do Butterfly Pull Up
Butterfly Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Use the recoil to pull your arms so that your chest touches the bar.
- 2. Pull your arms naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 3. Please repeat for the specified number of times.
Coach's Tips
- Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades instead of your arms.
For a full Butterfly Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Butterfly Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, T-Bar Row or Butterfly Pull Up?
Planfit users log T-Bar Row more often — 3,618 sessions against 14 for Butterfly Pull Up. 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 and Butterfly Pull Up need?
T-Bar Row needs a machine, and Butterfly Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
T-Bar Row is the easier place to start. Move to Butterfly Pull Up once your form holds up.
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