T-Bar Row vs Smith Machine Barbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of T-Bar Row and Smith Machine Barbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
T-Bar Row vs Smith Machine Barbell 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 3,618 for T-Bar Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. T-Bar Row and Smith Machine Barbell 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 and Smith Machine Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | T-Bar Row | Smith Machine Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | Smith-machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,618 sessions | 4,483 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, T-Bar Row or Smith Machine Barbell Row?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do T-Bar Row and Smith Machine Barbell Row need?
T-Bar Row needs a machine, and Smith Machine Barbell Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to T-Bar Row once your form holds up.
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