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Exercise Comparison

Bent Over Barbell Row vs Sled Row

Bent Over Barbell Row - starting position
Bent Over Barbell Row - ending position
Bent Over Barbell Row
beginner·Barbell·compound
Sled Row - starting position
Sled Row - ending position
Sled Row
beginner·Other·compound

Side-by-Side

Bent Over Barbell Row
VS
Sled Row
beginner
Level
beginner
Barbell
Equipment
Other
compound
Mechanic
compound
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
middle back
Primary
middle back
bicepslatsshoulders
Secondary
bicepslats

Muscle Analysis

Shared

middle backbicepslats

Only in Bent Over Barbell Row

shoulders

Instructions

Bent Over Barbell Row

1

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.

2

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.

3

Then inhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.

4

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sled Row

1

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.

2

With a handle in each hand, bend the knees slightly, keep your head and chest up, and begin with your arms extended.

3

To initiate the movement, flex the elbow as you retract your shoulder blades, pulling the sled towards you.

4

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.

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