Exercise Comparison
Bent Over Barbell Row vs Sled Row




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Bent Over Barbell Row
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.
Sled Row
Attach dual handles to a sled connected by a rope or chain. Load the sled to an appropriate weight. Face the sled, backing up until there is some tension in the line.
With a handle in each hand, bend the knees slightly, keep your head and chest up, and begin with your arms extended.
To initiate the movement, flex the elbow as you retract your shoulder blades, pulling the sled towards you.
Take a step or two back to get tension in the line and repeat.
Verdict
Both exercises target the middle back. Bent Over Barbell Row is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Sled Row is beginner and uses other. Choose Bent Over Barbell Row if you have access to barbell, or Sled Row if you prefer other.