Bent Over barbell Rows Vs T - Bar rows which are the best mass builders?

[SSAlexSS]

Hello all!


Out of curiosity, what is better in terms of pure muscle mass

T-Bar rows
or
Bent Over Barbell rows?


And does t- bar row counts as a machine or as a free weight?

Reply please!
Thanks!

 

[Tuna Guy]

T-bar in my opinion is a machine because it follows a set pattern of movement.

I,d go with the bent over rows purely bacause of the fact that it is a free exercise.
Kind of like bench press v,s smiths machine bench.

 

[musclefattie]

i second that!

 

[HeavyDutyGuy]

Both are ok,machines vs free weights isn't relevant her. The BB row is superior because the T-bar row doesn't not let you get a ful contraction at the top.

 

[edgecrusher]

I agree with what everyone is saying. However, I feel the supported T-bar is at times a better choice. I only say this because it is a similar motion, and it limits cheating to a great extent. I do not know how many times I see guys in my gym doing a bent row and using more legs then back.

So I guess what I am saying is for experienced, intelligent lifters the bent row is better. However for the rest of the population the supported t-bar is a better choice.

 

[TRAIN HARD!!!!!]

both are great mass builders... through in some wide grip chins and seated rows..

 

[goahead]

I think you should do them both.

I have the distinct feeling that t-bars work the lower lats more while bent rows stimulate mid-upper back

When performed in a controlled manner They both are superior to machines because if u lean against a machines pad and pull your arms backward, the lats only need to contract where they insert in your ribcage, however if u have to stabilize the spine you get neuromuscular contractions at those insertion point also

I like to split up my back routine in two days:

Get Thick!
- deadlift (not touching the floor!)
- bent row
- t-bar row
- hyperextensions

Get Wide!
- chins
- dumbell row
- machine row or seated pulley row
- reverse grip pulldown

Key is using good form, especially on deadlift/row day. I feel that grouping exercises that targets mainly lats or spine definately helped me to overload the specific areas

 

[Robboe]

Goahead: I strongly disagree with your method of training [but if it works for you then fair enough.]

For anyone who is unsure about back training i would not recommend that routine. One day a week is sufficient enough.

You want a movement that will work your middle back [horizontal row] and an exercise that hits lats more [vertical row.] Then a core movement for lower back [i.e. deads]

For vertical rows, weighted chins or pull ups are prolly better than pull downs, but do what you feel works best.

For horizontal rows my personal favourite is DB rows. I know people who prefer T bar rows with an underhand grip to put their biceps in their strongest position.

Basically, what i'm saying is do what YOU think works best. There ain't nothing worng with a bit experimentation at the beginning. Once you find it, stick with it and keep it the same each week to measure progression.

I would suggest 2-3 sets per exercise and no more than 3 exercises for big body parts.

 

[Tuna Guy]

i also prefer a supinated grip, however l feel that i cant lift as much weight with this grip than i could with a pronated grip. Could it be because it forces the elbows in and the range of movement is greater, also i tend to pull with my back and not my biceps.

 

[edgecrusher]

Tuna Guy, I agree with you 100% I love the supinated grip on back work. I think it hits more of the lower lat and midback. Anyway i think it limits your strength because it takes out some of your rear delt involvement, and concentrates more on the lats and rhomboids.

 

[Grizzly]

Personally, I think t-bar rows are complete horse shit. Every time I do them I think to myself about how I just wasted 10 minutes of my life.

 

[MonStar1023]

I would have to say that both are valuable pieces to your training arsenal. I mean I prefer bentover ez-bar rows with a reverse grip. Dorian Yates Style all the way! They just work for me though. I mean I know everyone is different. T-Bar rows are good too as long as you keep proper form and arch your back and focus on contracting the lats to the max most back exercises will work well.