T-Bar Row vs Close Grip Chin Up
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log T-Bar Row more often — 3,618 sessions vs 345. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of T-Bar Row and Close Grip Chin Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about T-Bar Row vs Close Grip Chin Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log T-Bar Row more often — 3,618 sessions compared to 345 for Close Grip Chin Up.
Popularity is not the whole answer. T-Bar Row and Close Grip Chin Up differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How T-Bar Row and Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | T-Bar Row | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,618 sessions | 345 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to T-Bar Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the T-Bar Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Close Grip Chin Up
Close Grip Chin Up muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please go up using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip Chin Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip Chin Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, T-Bar Row or Close Grip Chin Up?
Planfit users log T-Bar Row more often — 3,618 sessions against 345 for Close Grip Chin 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 Close Grip Chin Up need?
T-Bar Row needs a machine, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Chin Up is the easier place to start. Move to T-Bar Row once your form holds up.
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