Exercise Comparison
Bent Over Barbell Row vs Rhomboids-SMR




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bent Over Barbell Row
Only in Rhomboids-SMR
Instructions
Bent Over Barbell Row
Holding a barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing down), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The barbell should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
Now, while keeping the torso stationary, breathe out and lift the barbell to you. Keep the elbows close to the body and only use the forearms to hold the weight. At the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a brief pause.
Then inhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Rhomboids-SMR
Lay down with your back on the floor. Place a foam roll underneath your upper back, and cross your arms in front of you, protracting your shoulders. This will be your starting position.
Raise your hips off of the ground, placing your weight onto the foam roll. Shift your weight to one side at a time, rolling over your middle and upper back. Pause at points of tension for 10-30 seconds.
Verdict
Both exercises target the middle back. Bent Over Barbell Row is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Rhomboids-SMR is intermediate and uses foam roll. Choose Bent Over Barbell Row if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Rhomboids-SMR for a greater challenge.